Frégoli Syndrome is a rare psychological disorder characterized by the individual's belief that different people are, in reality, a single person who changes their appearance or disguises themselves to follow them. This false perception can generate a profound emotional and cognitive imbalance in the person who experiences it, affecting their daily life and interpersonal relationships. In this article, we will explore in detail what Frégoli Syndrome is, its symptoms and possible causes.
Definition of Frégoli Syndrome
Frégoli Syndrome is named after the Italian actor Leopoldo Frégoli, famous for his ability to quickly change costumes and appearance during his theatrical performances. In this disorder, the affected person has the mistaken perception that different individuals are, in reality, a single person in disguise. This means that, for those who suffer from this syndrome, a familiar face can transform into other unknown faces, generating a feeling of persecution and paranoia.
Main characteristics of Frégoli Syndrome:
- Belief of the individual that the people around him are a single person changing appearance.
- Perception that this person in continuous transformation seeks to harm him or exert control over him.
- Difficulties in recognizing people around you, even those close or familiar.
- Anxiety, fear and stress associated with the presence of this changing false identity.
Symptoms of Frégoli Syndrome
The symptoms of Frégoli Syndrome are usually diverse and can manifest differently in each individual who experiences it. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Cognitive symptoms:
- Mental confusion when trying to recognize people.
- Alterations in the perception of reality, believing in the presence of a single person in disguise.
- Paranoia and constant fear of being deceived or persecuted.
Emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety and stress related to the constant presence of the changing false identity.
- Social isolation due to difficulty relating to others due to fear of the masked identity.
- Depression and low self-esteem due to the feeling of being watched or persecuted by the transformed person.
Causes of Frégoli Syndrome
Although the exact causes of Frégoli Syndrome are not completely known, Clearly, it is believed that this disorder may be the result of a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Some possible causes include:
Biological factors:
It has been suggested that chemical imbalances in the brain, such as alterations in dopamine and serotonin, may influence the misperception of multiple identities. as a single person in constant change. These neurotransmitter imbalances could trigger Frégoli Syndrome in susceptible individuals.
Psychological factors:
Frégoli Syndrome can also be related to past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or stressful events, that have caused a distortion in the affected person's perception of reality. Psychological defense mechanisms could lead to the creation of this persecutory illusion as a form of protection against threatening situations.
Social factors:
The social environment in which the individual operates also can play an important role in the development of Frégoli Syndrome. Lack of emotional support, loneliness or exposure to continuous stressful situations can favor the appearance of this disorder. Furthermore, distorted thinking patterns acquired throughout life can contribute to the formation of this delusional belief.
Conclusions
In summary, Frégoli Syndrome is a complex psychological disorder which is characterized by the false belief that different individuals are a single changing person. This distorted perception can generate a series of disabling cognitive and emotional symptoms that significantly affect the daily life of those who experience it. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of Frégoli Syndrome, it is essential to seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With adequate support, it is possible to manage and overcome this disorder, recovering emotional balance and quality of life.