We all know that some couples seem to do everything together. They share an Instagram profile, complete each other’s sentences and appear to be “joined at the hip.” While many admire or admire couples who spend as much time as possible with each other—this tendency, at times, may be hiding something more sinister. .

Couples who do not have a separate life outside of the relationship may feel dependent. Codependency is excessive emotional or psychological dependence on a partner. Although mild adjustment is normal and usually nothing to lose sleep over, sometimes the pendulum can swing too far.

Another danger of a codependent relationship is the possibility of a mental illness called folie à deux. Literally translated, folie à deux means “the folly of two people” and involves the transmission of delusional beliefs within an intimate relationship. Independent relationships with this type of shared psychosis are related and co-occurring factors.

Folie à Deux—Descent into Separate Conflicts

One of the most famous cases of suspected folie à deux was the Burari death in India where a family of 11 committed mass suicide due to “shared mental beliefs” led by the son of only matriarch. The shocking incident spawned a Netflix documentary House of Wolves: Burari Dead in 2021.

The term folie à deux was first described by the French psychiatrist Charles Lasègue Jules le Falret in 1877. It refers to a rare mental illness in which symptoms of psychosis, especially delusions, passed from one person to another.

In 1979, the book Abnormal Psychiatric Symptoms explained that this problem often occurs in close relationships where one partner, who is often considered powerful, influences the beliefs and feelings of the other. This can be dangerous when the main partner shows signs of mental illness and the second person lacks the strong will to resist. This can lead to the other partner engaging in irrational behavior.

Codependency Link and Folie à Deux

Interdependent relationships can create a rich environment for the development of shared delusional beliefs. As a 2018 study showed, the problem arises with the secondary partner’s tendency to prioritize the primary partner’s needs and change their worldview – which creates fertile ground for convey irrational thoughts.

In most interpersonal relationships, there is often a leader and a follower. The “follower’s” partner’s low self-esteem, difficulty setting boundaries, and lack of approval make them vulnerable to accepting the primary partner’s delusional beliefs, even if they are harmful.

The fact that independent partners live completely together makes the situation even worse. The isolation of these two people can contribute to the maintenance of shared lies. As couples continue to isolate themselves from external reality and social relationships, they reinforce each other’s distorted feelings.

Treatment Methods and Problems

Treating folie à deux associated with codependency presents unique challenges, especially when these conditions occur together. As described in a 2012 study, the primary intervention often involves isolating individuals to break the reinforcing pattern of manipulation. This separation can be difficult for independent people who find their self-esteem in a relationship.

Pharmacological interventions, such as antipsychotic medications, are often used to treat the underlying psychotic symptoms. For addiction, treatment focuses on solving psychological problems and promoting healthy relationships.

Not all independent relationships lead to shared psychosis. The network of codependency and folie à deux represents a complex area of ​​study. By examining these situations, we gain valuable insight into the power of interpersonal influence on mental health and the potential dangers of interdependence.

Not sure if your relationship is healthy or dangerous? Take a drink Relationship Management Scale to find a science-backed answer.