Misidentification syndromes have received increasing attention in recent times. The best known of these syndromes is Capgras syndrome, also known as the syndrome of doubles. In this syndrome, the affected individual believes that another person, usually well-known to the individual, has a different psychological identity while the physical appearance remains the same as the original identity. Misidentification syndromes are generally associated with paranoid thinking and hostility directed toward the misidentified object. In some cases, the level of hostility and paranoid ideation may lead to violence, including homicidal acts. Cases from the literature are presented in which children represent the misidentified objects. The relationship between misidentification and potential harm to these children is discussed, and the importance of careful assessment of psychotic persons is emphasized. 34 references and 1 table (Author abstract modified)