Misidentification syndrome: A narrative review

Misidentification syndromes have been described for a long time, but the major developments occurred in the 19^th and 29^th centuries. Many reviews have discussed the various aspects of delusional misidentification syndromes (DMSs). However, there is a lack of updated comprehensive review. This narrative review aims to review the historical aspects, classification, clinical aspects, epidemiology, etiological models, assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of DMS. Multiple internet searches were done to identify the literature on DMSs, and the literature was organized under different headings. DMSs are classified variously and are seen in patients with psychiatric disorders and in those with associated physical diseases, especially those involving the brain. The overall prevalence of DMS has varied from 5.2 to 81.6%. While evaluating DMS, it is important to distinguish it from disorientation, visual problems, memory problems, depersonalization and derealization, and dissociative disorder. There is little information about the management of DMS. DMSs are a rare phenomenon in patients with primary psychiatric disorders and organic conditions. Future studies must attempt to evaluate the efficacy of different antipsychotics in patients with DMS.