title: Pathological fantasy friend phenomenon.
abstract: Fantasy friend or imaginary companions is usually regarded as normal phenomenon and commonly seen in children. The index case is presented for highlighting the pathological nature of fantasy friend phenomenon, role of psychological, social and cultural factors in its genesis and its course. Onset and persistence of this phenomenon throughout adolescence, its longer duration and non-recognition of its imaginary component by the patient indicates its pathological nature. The patient developed schizophrenia after experiencing this phenomenon for 12-13 years. It is concluded that pathological fantasy friend phenomenon may carry risk of schizophrenia if continued without any intervention for longer duration. Hence, there is a need to identify and intervene early in such kind of cases. The findings of this case report needs to be corroborated by other case reports or studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Anju
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Nimesh G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Desai
keywords: Fantasy; friend; imaginary; phenomenon