Erotomania is a form of delusional disorder in which an individual believes that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with him. It is a relatively rare condition, and while the incidence is unknown, the lifetime prevalence of delusional disorder is 0.2% [1].
A person with erotomania, for example, might believe that a television news anchor uses a secret code to communicate with him or her. Obsession with the perceived “secret admirer” that may include stalking, letter-writing, and other attempts to make contact—even if this contact is unwanted by the target.
Erotomania may be a symptom of a psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, or Alzheimer's disease. Erotomania is a type of delusional disorder.
Erotomania, also known as “de Clérambault's Syndrome”, is a psychiatric syndrome characterized by the delusional belief that one is loved by another person of, generally of a higher social status.
Erotomania can cause someone to show risky or aggressive behavior. In some cases, this behavior can cause the person to be arrested for stalking or harassment. In rare cases, erotomania can result in the death of either person. Erotomania is often associated with bipolar disorder.
Erotomania is a form of delusional disorder in which an individual believes that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with him. It is a relatively rare condition, and while the incidence is unknown, the lifetime prevalence of delusional disorder is 0.2% [1].
Erotomania has two forms: primary and secondary. Primary erotomania is also commonly referred to as de Clerambault's syndrome and Old Maid's Insanity and it exists alone without comorbidities, has a sudden onset and a chronic outcome.
McCarthy-Jones and Davidson (2013) describe love as central to the onset and the immersion into psychosis, when the love of close ones and affirmation by society is often lost, and central in the process of recovery.
In anglophonic countries erotomania has traditionally been regarded as a female disorder of little more than curiosity value. The French literature recognizes the disorder in males, but as a rarity. In a recently collected group of violent male offenders the syndrome proved to be fairly common.
Erotomania occurs when a person develops the delusional belief they are loved from afar by another person. Delusional love is generally intense, with rejections paradoxically interpreted as covert declarations of love. There is an association between erotomania and high-risk behavior, such as stalking.
Though current definitions of erotomania allow only for a pathological state of believing one is loved, morbid infatuations also occur, and in clinical practice most pathologies of love involve a mixture of both infatuation and a belief in being loved (Mullen & Pathé, 1994a).
It is natural for delusions to feel completely real to you when you are experiencing them. You might think that you are a very important person. For example, you may believe that you are rich and powerful or that you can control the stock markets or the weather.
Common Themes of Delusions
There are a lot of different themes, but some show up more often than others: Persecution: This is based on the idea that a person or object is trying to hurt you or work against you. Infidelity: This involves unusual jealousy or possessiveness toward another person.
Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. People with psychoses lose touch with reality. Two of the main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations.
Typically, a psychotic break indicates the first onset of psychotic symptoms for a person or the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms after a period of remission. Symptoms may include delusional thoughts and beliefs, auditory and visual hallucinations, and paranoia.
Persecutory type: This is one of the most common types of delusions and patients can be anxious, irritable, aggressive, or even assaultive - some patients may be litigious.
Seen mostly through Joe's first-person perspective as a lovable, if not a bit naïve, young woman longing for love after experiencing her own trauma, she is revealed to be suffering from severe PTSD.
Trauma or experiences in childhood that lead to an insecure attachment style may lead to fear of abandonment. People with a fear of abandonment may develop obsessive tendencies. People may be fearful to be alone and they may make threats or take impulsive actions in order to prevent a partner from leaving.
When Is It Time to Walk Away? In some cases, the decision to leave is obvious. If physical abuse is present to any degree, and especially if the individual fears for their own life or well-being or that of their children, it's important to leave as soon as possible. Safety is the number one priority.
In psychiatry, thought broadcasting is the belief that others can hear or are aware of an individual's thoughts. The person experiencing this symptom can also think that their thoughts are being broadcast through different media, such as the television or the radio.
A common schizophrenia delusion type is the paranoid delusion. Another word for these are persecutory delusions. These are delusions where a person believes they are being harassed, harmed, or otherwise watched by others.