Delirium Fregoli

The opposite of the Capgras delusion. A person with this disorder believe that a complete stranger is actually a close acquaintance who changed appearance or is in disguise.

Gained its name from the Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli, known for his ability to change his appearance during his performances.

It was first reported in 1927, when a 27 year old woman who believed she was being persecuted by two actors she often watched in the theater. She believed that these people were chasing her closely, taking the form of people she knew.