Capgras syndrome in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Objectives

To improve understanding of Capgras syndrome (CS) in the pediatric population, this study investigates its clinical features and discerns similarities and differences compared to CS in adults.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive systematic review of case reports following PRISMA guidelines, including cases of pediatric patients with CS. Patient demographics, medical and psychiatric history, imposter identity, underlying diagnosis, clinical manifestation, treatments, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Results

We included 37 articles comprising 38 cases. The median age of patients was 15, with 23 (60.5%) being male. The most prevalent underlying diagnoses were schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (47.3%). Imposter identity involved parents in 32 cases (84.2%). Associated symptoms included persecutory delusions (63.1%), auditory hallucinations (42.1%), aggression (31.5%), and depression (21.0%).

Conclusion

There is a significant gap in our understanding of CS, particularly in pediatric patients. This is the first systematic review of CS in pediatric patients, encompassing all cases found in English literature since 1923.