Romance Scam Research Center

Induced erotomania by online romance fraud - a novel form of de Clérambault’s syndrome

Alotti, N. ; Osvath, P. ; Tenyi, T. ; Voros, V. (2024) — BMC Psychiatry
Synopsis

Internet usage and its effects on mental health are widely documented, yet reports on internet-induced erotomania remain scarce. Erotomania is a rare, likely underdiagnosed delusional disorder characterized by the belief that a person of higher socioeconomic status harbors romantic feelings toward the affected individual. The present report examines the psychopathology of erotomanic delusion triggered by online romantic deception in a female patient. Using this case as a central focus, the account highlights novel aspects of erotomania that merit attention and further inquiry. The clinical narrative concerns a 70-year-old married Caucasian woman who has a history of medically controlled persistent depressive disorder for several years. Her condition became more intricate as she became deeply engaged with online profiles depicting a famous musician, ultimately falling prey to an online romance fraud. This distressing episode precipitated the emergence of erotomanic delusions and an accompanying suicide attempt. The patient’s medical history reveals a range of health conditions and a sequence of stressful life events that contributed to her vulnerability. A diagnosis encompassing erotomanic delusional disorder, dysthymia, and mild cognitive impairment with a cerebral vascular background was established. Treatment combined her prior antidepressant with low-dose risperidone and included supportive individual and group psychotherapy. The delusional symptoms entered remission after four weeks, leading to discharge with plans for outpatient follow-up. While some delusional beliefs persisted, their intensity diminished and the patient’s overall functioning improved. This case emphasizes the intricate relationship among mental health status, online behavior, and the consequences of delusional thinking, including suicidal ideation. It underscores the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to address such complex psychiatric presentations, integrating pharmacological management, psychotherapy, and consideration of online activities within clinical assessment and care.
Citation style