Delusional misidentification: Capgras: practice question

A Psychiatry 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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Psychiatry · Delusional misidentification: Capgras

Sample item

A woman insists that her husband has been replaced by an identical impostor and refuses to live with him, though she admits he looks exactly the same. This is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Capgras syndrome

In Capgras syndrome, the delusion of doubles, a familiar person is believed to be replaced by an identical impostor. It occurs in schizophrenia and in organic conditions such as dementia.

Option by option

  • A. Capgras syndrome (correct)

    Correct. A known person believed to be replaced by a double is Capgras.

  • B. Fregoli syndrome

    In Fregoli a persecutor is believed to disguise as different people.

  • C. Othello syndrome

    Othello syndrome is delusional jealousy about a partner's infidelity.

  • D. Cotard syndrome

    Cotard syndrome is a nihilistic delusion that one is dead or organs have rotted.

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 Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Capgras syndrome. In Capgras syndrome, the delusion of doubles, a familiar person is believed to be replaced by an identical impostor.

Why is "Fregoli syndrome" not the answer?

In Fregoli a persecutor is believed to disguise as different people.

Why is "Othello syndrome" not the answer?

Othello syndrome is delusional jealousy about a partner's infidelity.

Why is "Cotard syndrome" not the answer?

Cotard syndrome is a nihilistic delusion that one is dead or organs have rotted.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delusional misidentification: Capgras in Psychiatry. It occurs in schizophrenia and in organic conditions such as dementia.

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 Delusional misidentification: Capgras?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry 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.