Capgras syndrome related to diazepam treatment.(Case Report)

Southern Medical Journal, January, 2004 by Stewart, Jonathan T.

Abstract: Capgras syndrome, the delusion that identical-appearing impostors have replaced familiar people, is an unusual phenomenon usually seen in schizophrenia or dementia. We recently cared for a 78 year old man who seemed to develop Capgras syndrome as an adverse reaction to diazepam. An iatrogenic cause should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any new delusion, including Capgras syndrome.

Key Words: benzodiazepines, Capgras syndrome, diazepam

Discussion

Our patient developed CS in the absence of any evidence of dementia or schizophrenia. The rapid and sustained resolution of the delusion with withdrawal of diazepam is strongly suggestive of a drug-induced syndrome, although we were unfortunately unable to confirm this by...

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