Social isolation and induced delusional disorder, folie a trois

ABSTRACT

Three cases of shared delusional psychosis are described - Mr. H., his sister Miss H and his girlfriend Miss C. They have lived a very closely knit existence, In the same environment for a long time. They have many interests in common and deep and dependent relationships with each other. They share their life experiences, their needs and wishes, particularly their experience of being isolated from the outside world. Mr. H is the dominant partner while Miss H and Miss C are relatively passive and dependent in the relationship. The three of them developed symptoms of delusional psychosis. Mr. H being the first to be affected. Later he transmits those to the other two in the network. The delusional symptoms and the social isolation further reinforced each other until a crisis arose. Mr. H was subsequently admitted to Hospital and the other two people were moved to residential accommodation together. After some months they all improved, but only partially. The Multi-disciplinary team was then faced with the dilemma of their future placement