Erotomania – A review of De Clérambault's syndrome

Abstract

IntroductionErotomania (also known as De Clerambault's syndrome) is usually described as a rare delusional syndrome characteristically involving an individual who believes that another person, typically of higher social, economic or political status, is in love with the individual. De Clerambault's syndrome remains a ubiquitous nosological psychiatric entity with uncertain prognosis that remains recognised as a subtype of delusional disorder in DSM 5.Objectives and aimsTo review the history of Erotomania as a nosological psychiatric entity, its clinical characteristics and course. Also to report some selected clinical cases.MethodsThe authors have conducted an online search on PubMed with MeSH words“erotomania”, “erotomaniac delusion” and “Clerambault” and systematically reviewed some case reports.ResultsErotomania is a relatively uncommon and misunderstood disorder characterised by the presence of a persistent erotic delusion. The individual (usually described as a woman) has had little or no contact with the other person who is perceived as watching over, protecting or following the individual. Despite various authors have described and named this syndrome, it was Clérambault who first classed the symptoms into the disorder he referred to as “psychose Passionelli” (1942). There are numerous theories as to the aetiology of this illness that is not uniquely associated with any specific disorder. We reviewed some clinical cases.ConclusionsErotomania is a relatively uncommon psychiatric disorder. An increased awareness and understanding of this illness will assist in the recognition of patients affected, opening doors for future progress on its aetiology and, therefore, the development of new treatment options.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.