psychopathology: Fregoli phenomenon

In this delusional misidentification symptom a familiar person is believed to have taken on the appearance of a stranger.

Example: A woman frightens an elderly stranger when she addresses her as her mother and inquires why she has assumed such an elaborate disguise.

Also: Capgras syndrome, Fregoli syndrome, Fregoli's

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The Machinist Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón 2003

Possessed Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, Raymond Massey 1947