De Clerambault syndrome and medical practitioners: medico legal implications.
De Clerambault's syndrome or erotomania is a condition in which a patient, usually a woman, develops a delusional belief that a man, usually older and of higher social status, is in love with her. This paper describes such cases where medical practitioners were involved. In a case where a doctor was brought to court, the judge stressed that because of the nature of the allegation, it was vital that there be corroborative evidence. When faced with such patients, a prudent doctor would ensure that a nurse be in attendance at all times, that notes be carefully kept and phone calls recorded. Other measures might be necessary, depending on the situation.
Kok
L P
LP
Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Cheang
M
M
Chee
K T
KT
D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008149:Love; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013577:Syndrome