The Roots of Shared Delusion episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 23, 2025 · 20 MIN

The Roots of Shared Delusion

from Folie à Deux · host Neon Nights Studio

This episode explores the psychological foundations of 'folie à deux' - the shared psychosis that emerges when two people become codependent and reinforce each other's delusions. We'll examine early case studies, such as the infamous 'Papin sisters' who brutally murdered their employer's family, to understand how individual mental illness can escalate into joint criminal acts. We'll also discuss the role of power dynamics, trauma, and social isolation in creating the conditions for this shared psychosis to take hold. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a solid grasp of the key factors that lead to the 'madness of two'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode explores the psychological foundations of 'folie à deux' - the shared psychosis that emerges when two people become codependent and reinforce each other's delusions. We'll examine early case studies, such as the infamous 'Papin sisters' who brutally murdered their employer's family, to understand how individual mental illness can escalate into joint criminal acts. We'll also discuss the role of power dynamics, trauma, and social isolation in creating the conditions for this shared psychosis to take hold. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a solid grasp of the key factors that lead to the 'madness of two'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Roots of Shared Delusion

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This episode was published on August 23, 2025.

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This episode explores the psychological foundations of 'folie à deux' - the shared psychosis that emerges when two people become codependent and reinforce each other's delusions. We'll examine early case studies, such as the infamous 'Papin sisters'...

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