[Erotomania as a symptom of pathological grief].

Abstract

We describe a 23-year-old woman with erotomania as a symptom of complicated grief. The delusional disorder emerged after a breakup with her partner, during a period of complicated grief following the unexpected loss of her twin brother. The delusion potentially functioned as a protection against a recurrent depressive disorder. Treatment usually consists of starting psychopharmaceuticals, however, often with limited results. Therefore, psychotherapeutic treatment is also important because an erotomanic delusion often arises from feelings of rejection, loneliness or worthlessness. Erotomania has been mentioned in texts and stories since ancient times. However, a case report on erotomania as a potential buffer against complex grief has not previously been described in the literature. We discuss the erotomania, contextualized in her life course and the existing literature.