Erotomania (De Clérambault’s Syndrome)

1) What it is

Erotomania is a type of delusional disorder where someone has a fixed belief that:

• another person (often a stranger, celebrity, professional, or person of higher status) is in love with them

It is classified as a subtype of delusional disorder in modern diagnostic systems.

The belief continues even if:

• the person has never spoken to them
• the person has clearly said “no”
• evidence contradicts the belief

2) What it feels like (real-life examples)

People may think:

• “They’re sending secret messages.”
• “They can’t say it openly, but they love me.”
• “The signs are everywhere.”
• “They’re being kept from me.”
• “People are trying to stop us being together.”

The person may feel:

• excited, driven, hopeful
• rejected, furious, devastated when challenged
• obsessed and unable to let it go
• unsafe or targeted if they believe there’s a “blocker”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• fixed belief someone loves them
• interpreting neutral events as proof (glances, posts, timing)
• repeated attempts to contact the person
• monitoring social media
• sending gifts or messages
• distress or anger when denied
• sometimes stalking behaviour (risk)

Patient.info notes erotomania is classified as a delusional disorder subtype.

4) What causes it / risk factors

Possible contributors include:

• psychosis vulnerability
• isolation and loneliness
• stress and trauma
• mood disorders
• substance misuse (can worsen delusions)
• poor sleep

5) Triggers (what can make it worse)

• rejection
• being blocked or ignored
• social media reinforcement
• sleep deprivation
• stress overload
• humiliation or shame
• alcohol or drug use

6) What helps right now (fast relief tools)

If there’s risk of stalking, harassment, or harm, professional help is urgent.

Helpful immediate approaches include:

• keep communication calm
• don’t mock or aggressively argue
• focus on safety and feelings rather than “proof”
• reduce internet monitoring
• encourage clinical assessment

7) Longer-term self-help strategies

If the person is willing:

• reduce contact attempts to zero
• block or mute social media triggers
• structure days to reduce obsession time
• treat loneliness safely through support networks
• establish sleep routine and stress reduction
• therapy for underlying needs and beliefs

8) Treatment options (what usually helps)

Treatment usually includes:

• psychiatric assessment
• antipsychotic medication (often used)
• CBT or supportive therapy
• family or carer support
• safety planning where risks exist

9) Medication overview (plain-English)

Medication may reduce:

• intensity of delusional belief
• distress and agitation
• obsessive rumination

A psychiatrist decides the safest option.

10) Work, relationships & daily life tips

• reduce rumination time with structured routines
• avoid online searching or stalking loops
• choose safe supports that don’t reinforce the belief
• protect the other person’s safety and boundaries

11) When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if there is:

• stalking or harassment risk
• threats to self or others
• escalating paranoia or aggression
• inability to function
• severe insomnia for multiple nights

12) Trusted help & resources

Get help (National support)

• NHS: Mental health services and urgent help
• NHS: Psychosis symptoms (delusions explained)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Shout: text SHOUT to 85258

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