Folie à deux, derived from French, is a psychological term that refers to a shared delusion between two or more individuals who are closely associated or have a significant emotional bond. Also known as double madness or shared psychosis, it describes a rare psychiatric condition in which one person, known as the "inducer" or "primary" patient, holds a delusional belief that is successfully transmitted to another person or people, known as the "induced" or "secondary" patients.
This phenomenon involves the transmission of a specific fixed, false belief system from the primary patient to the secondary patient(s), resulting in their adoption and belief in the same delusion. The shared delusions experienced by the secondary patients are usually consistent with the content of the primary patient's hallucinations or delusions, leading to a mutual reinforcement and shared conviction of the false reality.
Folie à deux typically occurs in close-knit relationships, such as siblings, spouses, or parent-child dynamics, where there is an intense emotional connection or an isolation from outside influences. The induced individuals may lack the necessary critical thinking, independent judgment, or ability to separate their beliefs from those of the primary patient, leading to the perpetuation and reinforcement of the shared delusion.
Treatment generally involves psychiatric intervention, including antipsychotic medications, individual therapy, and family therapy to address the underlying psychological issues and disentangle the shared psychosis. The prognosis for folie à deux cases varies depending on the severity, duration, and response to treatment. Close monitoring, early intervention, and a comprehensive approach are fundamental in successfully managing this complex condition.
