Magical Imposter Delusion
Traumatic exposure to magic early in life, an unstable mental state, and/or codependent behavior, are some of the known preexisting factors that have been seen in cases of these delusions. The final and common factor is all people with this disorder have discovered one or more family member beginning to, or have been perceived as, showing/practice magical abilities.
Once afflicted discover a family member, most commonly their child, performing magic they often explode in a burst of unexplained and irrational anger before secluding themselves away from that person. They enter a catatonic state for a 3-48 hours before returning to normal physical function. When the afflicted once more see the magic user they are convinced that their family member must have been replaced with an imposter.
Based on their personality and beliefs, this imposter could be demonic, fae or any otherworldly origin. Depending on the afflicted this could mean that the family member's imposter must be ignored, harmed or even killed. Almost all discover afflicted are found in the prosses of gaining help from others to remove the imposter or find their family member. Nothing the imposter or other people say can convince the afflicted of their family members identity.
Various treatments are used in order to subdue or calm the afflicted. The most effective method is to remove who they find as an imposter. Some find it effective to have the family member write letter reporting on a safe journey and explain absence, for on this person the delusion does not effect writing. Most are treated with anything medicinal or magic to keep them subdued. If no one can care for the person and they are a danger to others they sometime are killed by townsfolk.
They can not be cured and will remain convinced to some degree of this imposter. The worst cases live short lives before the stress or treatments weaken their body.
The afflicted are mostly seen with pity, and often friends or other family members will attempt to treat and care for them. The family member accuse of being an imposter is often left without a home. If young they will be taken in by others or brought to an orphanage. The toll it take on the imposters can lead to them have mental affliction of their own.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capgras_delusion
Entry for Summer Camp 2019
Answering: "
Write about a mental illness in your world and how people respond to this."
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