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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

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Pathological fantasy friend phenomenon.

Anju Gupta1, Nimesh G Desai

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, India.

International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
|June 19, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pathological fantasy friends, persisting into adolescence, may indicate a risk for developing schizophrenia. Early identification and intervention are crucial for individuals experiencing prolonged imaginary companions.

Keywords:
Fantasyfriendimaginaryphenomenon

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • Mental Health

Background:

  • Imaginary companions are common in children.
  • Fantasy friend phenomenon is typically considered normal.
  • This case highlights potential pathological aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present an index case of pathological fantasy friend phenomenon.
  • To explore psychological, social, and cultural factors in its development.
  • To examine the link between prolonged fantasy friends and schizophrenia risk.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an individual with a fantasy friend phenomenon.
  • Longitudinal observation of the phenomenon's onset and persistence.
  • Analysis of the patient's eventual diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Main Results:

  • The fantasy friend phenomenon persisted throughout adolescence.
  • The patient did not recognize the imaginary nature of the companion.
  • The patient developed schizophrenia after 12-13 years of this phenomenon.

Conclusions:

  • Pathological fantasy friend phenomenon, especially when prolonged and unrecognized, may be a risk factor for schizophrenia.
  • Early identification and intervention are necessary.
  • Further research and case reports are needed to corroborate findings.