Shared psychotic disorder is an exotic syndrome (also called "Folie à Deux") that involves a delusion shared by two people. It is diagnosed in a person who is in a close relationship with another, "primary" person with a psychotic disorder. Most frequently the primary person is diagnosed with Schizophrenia, although Delusional Disorder and Mood Disorder with Psychotic Features are also possible diagnoses. Thus the delusions may be bizarre (the primary has Schizophrenia) or more realistic (the primary has Delusional Disorder). The pair may be socially isolated, which makes it easier to share the delusion. If the pair relationship is disrupted, the secondary person's delusion usually moderates or disappears. Treatment of the primary person may be helpful; the rarity of the condition is such that few firm conclusions have been reached about the best treatment or even the long-term prognosis. 

It is possible for more than two people (for example, a family) to share a delusion. The primary person is usually the dominant person in the relationship. 

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03