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It's always difficult to find out that a family member or close friend has been diagnosed with a serious illness. And with mental illnesses like Capgras delusion, being their caregiver can get even more challenging.

Capgras delusion or Capgras syndrome is a psychiatric disorder that causes someone to believe that a person close to them is replaced by an impostor who looks the same. It is a type of delusional misidentification syndrome or DMS that is more commonly diagnosed in women, but it can affect both males and females of any age. It is common in patients with a history of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or schizophrenia.

The thought of the illness alone is troubling, let alone seeing a loved one go through it. What makes it more difficult is the fact that there is no cure for it, and even treatment can be challenging because the patient might not trust the people around them. However, experts have been using reality orientation therapy to treat Capgras delusion.

Reality orientation therapy

Reality orientation therapy, as the name suggests, focuses on a method that creates an environment where a patient experiencing delusions can be confronted with reality.  

Validation therapy

The opposite of reality orientation therapy is validation therapy, which supports the delusions of a patient rather than correcting them because those delusions are their reality. Gerontologist Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey explains that validation helps reduce stress and anxiety both for patients and their loved ones. 

Dealing with Capgras delusion

As a caregiver, one of the most important things to consider is that people with Capgras delusion do not have sufficient control over their thoughts and behaviors. This means caring for a person experiencing such delusions requires a lot of patience. However, it is also important to remember to look after yourself while giving them the best possible care.