identitetsförväxling

Identitetsförväxling refers to a phenomenon where an individual experiences a mistaken belief about their own identity or the identity of another person. This can manifest in various ways and is often associated with certain psychological conditions.

One common form is Capgras delusion, where a person believes a familiar individual, often a spouse or close relative, has been replaced by an imposter. The person recognizes the familiar features but feels a profound sense of strangeness or wrongness, leading to the belief of substitution.

Conversely, Fregoli delusion involves the belief that different people are actually the same person in disguise, constantly changing their appearance. This can lead to feelings of persecution, as the individual believes they are being followed or harassed by this single, shapeshifting entity.

Identitetsförväxling can also occur in less severe forms, such as temporary confusion about one's name, age, or role in a specific situation. This is more commonly seen in cases of disorientation due to illness, injury, or intoxication.

The underlying causes of identitetsförväxling are not fully understood but are often linked to neurological or psychiatric disorders. Damage to specific brain regions involved in facial recognition, emotional processing, and self-awareness is frequently implicated. Psychological factors like stress and trauma can also play a role. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying condition.