Shared Psychotic Disorder in a Child and His Family

Abstract

Introduction: Shared psychotic disorder (folie à deux) is an uncommon psychiatric condition characterized by the transmission of delusional beliefs from a dominant individual to another closely associated person, who is often dependent. Case Presentation: This case report describes an 11-year-old boy who developed psychotic symptoms identical to those of his mother and siblings, who shared persecutory delusions that the father was a spy intending to harm them. The child presented with anxiety, social withdrawal, impaired self-care, and cognitive decline. Following hospitalization and separation from the inducing family members, the patient showed marked improvement with pharmacological treatment (escitalopram and risperidone) and supportive treatment. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of recognizing shared psychotic disorder in young patients, the therapeutic necessity of separating affected individuals, and the value of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to support successful recovery and family reintegration.