Coexisting Diogenes and Capgras syndromes

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Diogenes syndrome is characterized by severe self-neglect and domestic squalor.
• Capgras syndrome involves delusional misidentification, where familiar individuals are replaced by impostors.
• The co-occurrence of these two conditions is exceptionally rare, with no prior documented cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of co-occurring Diogenes syndrome and Capgras syndrome.
• To explore the interplay between these two conditions and their impact on patient presentation.
• To investigate potential underlying neurological associations, particularly frontal lobe pathology.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE with keywords: Diogenes, Capgras, self-neglect, and domestic squalor.
• Clinical case presentation and analysis.
• Review of the patient's medical history and relevant psychiatric literature.

Main Results:

• No previous reports were found detailing the simultaneous occurrence of Diogenes and Capgras syndromes.
• The case demonstrated an exacerbation of self-neglect (Diogenes syndrome) due to delusional misidentification (Capgras syndrome).
• The findings reinforced the established association between these symptoms and frontal lobe pathology.

Conclusions:

• The co-occurrence of Diogenes and Capgras syndromes, though rare, can present with complex clinical features.
• Delusional misidentification in Capgras syndrome can worsen the self-neglect characteristic of Diogenes syndrome.
• Frontal lobe dysfunction is a likely contributing factor to this combined presentation.