B12 Deficiency in Capgras Syndrome: A Case Report


Yalug I., Kirmizi-Alsan E., Ozdemir S., Aker T.

NEUROLOGY PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN RESEARCH, vol.15, no.1, pp.7-10, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Journal Name: NEUROLOGY PSYCHIATRY AND BRAIN RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.7-10
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Capgras Syndrome is a rare delusional misidentification syndrome where the patient thinks that someone, to whom he/she has strong emotional attachments, has been substituted by a "fake" person who looks identically the same. The exact roots of CS have not been elucidated; however, organic etiologies such as, B12 deficiency and structural abnormalities were identified. Because CS is usually observed in the presence of a psychiatric disorder, it is difficult to isolate and analyze the underlying organic etiologies. From this perspective, we present a CS case with a diagnosis of delusional disorder and an underlying B 12 deficiency who showed significant clinical improvement with B12 replacement and 30 mg per day aripiprazole therapy. Based on our findings, it can be suggested that B 12 levels should routinely be checked in CS patients and taking different etiologies into consideration and including them within the treatment plan can increase clinical success.