A CASE OF FOLIE A DEUX IN TWIN SISTERS AND ITS TREATMENT IN A DAY HOSPITAL SETTING

Abstract

TWIN SISTERS with a rare psychotic disorder known as Jolie a deux came to our community day hospital. Although the staff was familiar with the treatment of other psychoses, we had not seen this particular shared disorder and the dependency problems which accompanied it before. A special approach had to be devised. We used a thorough consideration of the presenting symptoms and complaints as well as the determined etiology in developing a treatment plan. We decided that a holistic use of our psychological, sociological and biological services was best suited for the treatment of these women and their resulting rapid and successful recovery attested to this. The reader is presented with a brief explanation of Jolie a deux, some intake information, treatment plan formulation and the actual course of treatment including examples of significant changes which took place in the therapy. This case study is presented not only to permit the reader a view into the clinical features and history of Jolie a deux but also to suggest a possible model for the rapid and effective management of cases in which this rare disorder is present.