Reduplicative paramnesia for places: A comprehensive review of the literature and a new case report

Abstract

Reduplicative paramnesia for places (i.e., the delusional belief that a place has been duplicated or exists in two different locations) is a rare disorder observed in neurological patients. We review the existing literature on the topic, highlighting commonalities and differences among the 51 cases published since the first report in 1903. Our results highlight the combination of multiple factors in the pathogenesis of this monothematic spatial delusion. From a neurological perspective, a crucial role is played by damage to the right frontal and temporal lobe. Deficits of non-verbal memory and executive functions, along with topographical disorientation, appear to be the most common (but, not systematic) cognitive impairments. The clinical picture of the disorder is further complicated by often overlooked psychological and motivational factors. Consequently, the precise neuro-cognitive substrate of this disorder is yet to be described in detail. We stress the need for a more detailed and systematic approach exploiting neurological, neuroimaging, neuropsychological and psychopathological methods. To guide future investigations, we provide clinical- and research-oriented recommendations. Finally, we illustrate the interplay of all above-mentioned factors with a new case report.

Keywords: Disorientation; Monothematic delusion; Monothematic spatial delusion; Reduplicative paramnesia.