A Cognitive Model of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification Syndromes
Silva, JA
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Staff Psychiatrist, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, Texas.

Leong, GB
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles, and Staff Psychiatrist, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Garza-Treviño, ES
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas. Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Staff Psychiatrist, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, Texas.

Le Grand, J
Psychology Intern, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, Texas.

Oliva Jr, D
Resident in psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Weinstock, R
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles, and Staff Psychiatrist, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

Bowden, CL
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.


Abstract
The hallmark of the delusional misidentification syndromes is the presence of a misidentification delusion of the self or others. Delusional misidentification may present with an increased risk for dangerous behaviors. Individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes may express hostility in ways ranging from serious verbal threats to homicidal acts. The causes of dangerous misidentification delusions remain for the most part undetermined. In this article, we report a series of six cases of individuals who harbored dangerous misidentification delusions. These individuals were studied phenomenologically and forensically. They were also studied biologically, including neuropsychological testing. A cognitive hypothesis aimed at explaining dangerousness and delusional misidentification is proposed. Implications of the hypothesis for further research are briefly outlined.

Keywords:
dangerousness, delusions, forensic science, mental disorder, mental illness, misidentification, misidentification syndromes, psychiatry, violence

Paper ID: JFS396941455

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Author Silva JA, Leong GB, Garza-Treviño ES, Le Grand J, Oliva D, Jr, Weinstock R, Bowden CL Title A Cognitive Model of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification Syndromes Symposium , Committee on