Psychology Facts

▲ Erotomania ▲

》Erotomania, often called De Clérambault's Syndrome, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the delusional belief that another person, usually of higher social status, is profoundly in love with the affected individual despite no evidence or reciprocation.

》Even though it isn't a condition on its own, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) has erotomania as a symptom under delusional disorder.
Delusions in delusional disorder may have many themes. In the case of erotomania, the delusion typically presents as a fixation on someone along with a belief that they're in love with you.

》It's essential to understand that erotomania isn't simply infatuation. Infatuation, a feeling that many people experience involves intense but often short-lived admiration or affection for someone. In contrast, erotomania is a pathological condition where there is a fixed, unfounded belief in the reciprocation of the romantic feelings the person with the disorder has.

》You might act normal in most parts of your life. But as the delusion grows, it may seem like your lover is sending you nonverbal clues. You may see messages in everyday things, like the numbers on license plates or lights on planes.

》Examples of erotomania

A person spends their free time finding out everything they can about a famous actor, singer, or political figure that they believe loves them.

A person believes that a local news anchor is saying certain things on TV to get their attention.

Someone listens for secret messages directed at them in their favorite musician's lyrics.

》Erotomania seems to be a little more common in women. But some studies show men are just as likely to experience it. The condition can show up after puberty, but it usually happens around midlife or later.

》Emotional signs

longing for the other person

feelings of loneliness and emptiness

low self-esteem

feelings of guilt and shame

denial of someone's expressions of rejection or disinterest

feeling like you can't take "no" for an answer

》Behavioral signs

getting angry at people who don't believe you

spending time on the delusion even when it's negatively impacting work, home, or school life

trying to decode secret messages directed at you through the media, captions, wardrobe choices, postures, lyrics, or telepathically (delusions of reference)

repeatedly calling, writing, or messaging someone

furtively approaching someone online or in-person

harming others who get in your way of reaching the person

aggressive behaviors towards the person (more commonly in males)

》Researchers haven't pinned down one cause of erotomania in their case studies. Like other conditions, it's likely a combination of factors, which may include:

a coping mechanism for stress or trauma

emotional abandonment, neglect, or feeling unfulfilled

genetics

family history of mental health conditions

sexual inexperience

social isolation

》Erotomania may be a symptom of a condition that affects how you think. These include:

Schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder

Brain tumors

Drug or alcohol addiction

Dementia (this is rare)

》The most obvious sign of erotomania is the wrong belief that someone has intense feelings for you. This might help your mood and self-esteem at first. But you may get upset when someone tells you it's not true.

》Clinical experts typically categorize erotomania in two groups:

Primary erotomania

Also known as "de Clérambault's Syndrome," primary erotomania is a subtype of delusional disorder.

In sum, this involves:

no other mental health diagnoses

quick onset of symptoms

symptoms that last for a long time

difficulty responding to treatment

Secondary erotomania

Secondary erotomania is considered a symptom of mental health conditions other than delusional disorder.

In sum, it involves:

comorbidities (other conditions) present

slow and gradual onset of symptoms

symptoms that present in episodes

effective management with talk therapy and medications

》If you're open to it, erotomania can be managed with professional support, which usually includes a combination of different approaches.

》Treatment

Therapy. Talk therapy is the main treatment. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types.

Prescription medication. Your doctor may give you an antipsychotic, antidepressant, or other mood stabilizer. These can help your underlying mental illness.

Involuntary treatment. If you're a danger to yourself or others, you might have to go to a hospital to get better. State laws say when and how someone can force you to get help.

》There's no test for erotomania. But your doctor will ask about past mental or physical illnesses. They'll rule out other medical conditions. They may send you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist. These are people who specialize in mental health conditions.