What Is Erotomania?
Medically reviewed by Aleesha Grier, PsyD
Erotomania, also known as de Clérambault's syndrome, is classified in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), as an uncommon subtype of delusional disorder. People with erotomania experience a persistent belief that someone of a higher social status, an authority figure, or a celebrity is in love or even in a relationship with them—without any accompanying evidence, confirmation, or validation.
Delusions can make practicing self-awareness—and understanding that support is necessary—particularly challenging, sometimes leading to psychiatric crises or need for hospitalization.
This article explains erotomanic delusions, including symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment, and coping strategies. It also covers when hospitalization may be necessary for erotomania.
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Examples of Delusions in Erotomania
Delusions in erotomania are fixated on another person being in love or infatuated with the person experiencing the condition. Associated behaviors include daydreaming, fantasizing, and obsessing.
Examples of delusions include:
Believing a person loves them
Believing a person is in a relationship with them
Believing the person wants to be contacted
Believing the person is leaving signs or messages
Believing the person is playing mind games
Delusions in erotomania are diagnosed using the following criteria:
Symptoms last longer than one month.
There's no evidence the delusions are caused by schizophrenia.
There's no noticeable impairment or co-occurring odd/bizarre behavior.
If mood episodes are occurring, they do not last as long as the delusion.
Is There an Erotomania Test?
There’s no test for erotomania, but there may be signs someone is experiencing erotomanic delusions. Signs of erotomania include cyberstalking and other harassing and surveilling behaviors that may break the law and result in legal consequences for the person experiencing erotomanic delusions.
Some people with delusional disorder may function deceptively well, except when erotomania causes issues. A healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms and health history, as well as rule out other potential underlying causes of delusions.
Some people with delusional disorder may function deceptively well, except when erotomania causes issues. A healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms and health history, as well as rule out other potential underlying causes of delusions.
Related: What Are Delusions?
Causes of Fixation in Erotomania
The cause of fixation in erotomania is not well-studied or well-understood. Like other psychiatric symptoms, it's said there are certain contributing risk factors that influence a person’s likelihood of experiencing delusions.
Risk factors for delusions include:
Genetic predisposition/family history of psychosis
Biological factors like medical conditions and substance use disorders
Psychological factors like low self-esteem and extreme stress
Preexisting diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder
Environmental factors like social isolation
Traumatic brain injury
Symptom of a neurological condition like Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Stress, and particularly traumatic stress, is a trigger for mental health episodes and psychotic experiences including delusions.
Related: Recognizing Signs of a Manic Episode
Addressing Erotomania in Therapy
Like other delusions, erotomanic delusions are based on fixed and unfounded beliefs. Getting help when experiencing symptoms of psychosis can be complicated. This is because people experiencing delusions may not realize they need support, treatment, or other help to shift their thinking.
Addressing erotomania in therapy is possible. It can help move attention toward more healthy, gratifying, and constructive goals.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis is an evidence-based option for reducing distress and disability related to experiencing delusions. Working with the right therapist can help improve symptoms. Family therapy can also play a therapeutic role in educating and garnering support from family members.
Takeaway
A strong therapeutic alliance, meaning a healthy working relationship between a patient and their therapist or other mental health provider, is essential in treatment. Finding the right therapist or counselor and healthcare team to work with can make all the difference.
Medication May Offer Additional Support
Medication may be necessary to help manage delusions and prevent them from worsening. Research on how exactly antipsychotics work to treat delusional disorders is sparse, though. Much of what is known is based on treating delusions in schizophrenia.
Takeaway
The most effective form of treatment for delusions is a combination of therapy and antipsychotic medication.
Related: Self-Esteem and How to Improve It
Psychiatric Crisis and Hospitalization for Erotomania
If someone experiencing delusions is a danger to themselves or someone else, hospitalization may be required. In the hospital, a healthcare team can monitor symptoms and ensure safety during active erotomanic delusions and during medication changes.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see Verywell's National Helpline Database.
In-patient care may be necessary during medication changes such as while:
Tapering off a medication
Discontinuing a medication
Replacing one medication with another (or a combination of medications)
Impacts of Stalking
People who become the target of someone's obsession, especially when stalking behaviors and psychiatric crises are involved, are experiencing gender-based or sexualized violence. Studies have linked stalking to the following symptoms:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Fears and flashbacks
Intrusive thoughts
Depression
Mistrust and relationship problems
Social withdrawal
Suicide
If you or a loved one has or is experiencing stalking, you can speak with a trained support specialist at the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online in English at online.rainn.org or in Spanish at RAINN.org/es.
How to Cope With Erotomanic Desires
Someone experiencing an erotomanic delusion may not realize they need other, healthier coping strategies. There are ways of coping with delusions, though.
Experts suggest the following ways of coping with psychosis symptoms, including delusions:
Access social and community support, including education, employment, or accommodations.
Attend self-help groups with others who share similar experiences.
Deactivate, delete, and/or avoid social media accounts.
Avoid using alcohol and other substances, which can worsen symptoms.
Try different types of therapy including trauma-formed therapy and art therapy.
Stick to a set sleep routine, eat enough nutrients, stay hydrated.
Engage in healthy activity, including physical activity and relaxation techniques.
Takeaway
If you or a loved one is struggling with delusions, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Read Next: Is There a 'Healthy' Amount of Time to Spend on Social Media?
Summary
Experiencing erotomanic delusions means someone believes another person, usually of higher social status, is in love with them without any evidence suggesting so. It’s relatively uncommon but challenging to treat due to the fixed and unfounded nature of delusions.
Risk factors include family history, medical conditions, including neurological conditions and substance use disorders, and triggers such as traumatic stress injury.
Signs include fantasizing, obsessiveness, and stalking. Treatment options include therapy, antipsychotic medications, and, in some cases, hospitalization to stabilize mental health. Coping can include accessing social supports and self-help groups with peers.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
