Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What psychological phenomenon is characterized by a delusion where a patient believes that two different people are the same person?

1. Capgras syndrome

2. Fregoli delusion

3. Schizophrenia

4. Paranoid delusion

The correct answer is: Fregoli delusion

The psychological phenomenon characterized by a delusion in which a patient believes that two different people are, in fact, the same individual is known as the Fregoli delusion. This condition involves a mistaken belief of identity, where the patient perceives different acquaintances or strangers as a single person who can change their appearance or disguise themselves. Individuals with this delusion may believe that people they encounter in different contexts are actually a person they know, who is intent on following or spying on them. This can lead to significant distress and confusion for the individual experiencing the delusion. In contrast, Capgras syndrome involves a belief that a familiar person has been replaced by an identical imposter, indicating a misidentification of known individuals rather than seeing different individuals as the same. Schizophrenia encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, but does not specifically relate to the belief of two people being the same. Paranoid delusion generally involves false beliefs of persecution or conspiracy but does not focus on the identity perception that characterizes the Fregoli delusion.