Forensic psychiatry: erotomania: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Forensic psychiatry: erotomania

Sample item

A 38-year-old woman believes a famous actor is secretly in love with her despite never meeting him, and she persistently writes letters and waits outside his house. This delusion is called:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Erotomania

Erotomania, or De Clerambault syndrome, is a delusion that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with the patient. Sufferers may harass or stalk the object of the delusion, which makes it medicolegally important.

Option by option

  • A. Capgras syndrome

    Capgras syndrome is the belief that a familiar person has been replaced by a double.

  • B. Erotomania (correct)

    A fixed belief that a stranger of higher status loves her is erotomania.

  • C. Othello syndrome

    Othello syndrome is delusional infidelity of the partner.

  • D. Fregoli syndrome

    Fregoli syndrome is the belief that different persons are one persecutor in disguise.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Erotomania. Erotomania, or De Clerambault syndrome, is a delusion that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with the patient.

Why is "Capgras syndrome" not the answer?

Capgras syndrome is the belief that a familiar person has been replaced by a double.

Why is "Othello syndrome" not the answer?

Othello syndrome is delusional infidelity of the partner.

Why is "Fregoli syndrome" not the answer?

Fregoli syndrome is the belief that different persons are one persecutor in disguise.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Forensic psychiatry: erotomania in Forensic Medicine. Sufferers may harass or stalk the object of the delusion, which makes it medicolegally important.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Forensic psychiatry: erotomania?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.