Suicide attempt in alcohol use disorder and Wernicke encephalopathy: A case report

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S599-S599
Author(s):  
L. Espinosa ◽  
A. Fortea ◽  
G. Oriolo ◽  
M. Balcells ◽  
C. Oliveras

BackgroundThe relation between alcohol dependence and suicidal behavior is well known and alcohol consumption is a risk factor to take in consideration in order to prevent suicidal attempts. Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a common acute neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency frequently associated with alcohol use disorder and often infra-diagnosed. Just few cases are reported about the possible correlation between suicidal behaviour and Wernicke encephalopathy.ObjectiveTo describe the possible association between suicidal attempts and Wernicke encephalopathy.MethodsWe report the case of a 57 year old man, with past diagnosis of disthymia and amphetamine abuse disorder, and a history of bariatric surgery, who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of hospital clinic for a suicidal attempt by mean of metro railway precipitation. He presented two episodes of psychomotor agitation in the context of an abstinence syndrome that reverted with midazolam continuous perfusion and clonazepam 8 mg per day. Consequently to medical improvement, he was moved to Psychiatry Unit of Addictive Behavior and finally diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.ResultsIn the physical exam, bilateral nystagmus and cerebellar ataxia were observed. Signs of malnutrition were detected in the blood analysis. In a brain magnetic resonance image, volume deficits in the mammillary bodies, thalamus, cortex and corpus callosum, as well as peri-aqueductal altered signal were observed, all signs compatible with Wernicke encephalopathy diagnoses.ConclusionsWernicke encephalopathy is a frequent concomitant condition in patients with alcohol use disorder. The consequent cognitive decline could represent an independent added risk factor for suicidal behavior.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Cavicchioli ◽  
Francesca Prudenziati ◽  
Mariagrazia Movalli ◽  
Pietro Ramella ◽  
Cesare Maffei

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1464-1464
Author(s):  
N. Orlova ◽  
M. Shkliar ◽  
E. Khaustova

IntroductionThe suicidal behavior at patients with anhedonia in schizophrenia is one of the burn problems in modern psychiatry.ObjectivesAnhedonia belongs to negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The suicidal activity at patients with it consists from 7% tо 43%. At those patients fixed the suicidal ideas - 40%, suicidal attempts - 23% and complete suicide - 6,4%.AimsStudy the methods of suicidal behavior at those patients.MethodsThe Columbia Suicide severity research scale (C-SSRS).Results157 patients with anhedonia. Selected 49 (31, 21%) patients with suicidal behavior on admission or in the past. 23 women and 26 men with a mean age of 34, 37(±1, 92) and mean illness duration of 7, 72(±1, 42). The anhedonia level was 21, 26(±1, 26). 73,48% were the patients with Schizophrenia among them 44,91% with “postpsychotic depression” (295.60), 28, 57% with paranoid schizophrenia (295.30) and 26,52% - patients with affective disorders (296.3×). All patients wished to die. 79,59% (n = 39) had a suicidal attempts and 20,41% (n = 10) had a suicidal ideas. Active suicidal ideas without the suicide plan had 79, 59% patients. The methods of suicidal attempts were poisoning (38, 52%), cutting (25, 64%), hanging (12, 8%), falls (20, 48%), drowning (2, 56%).ConclusionsAnhedonia in schizophrenia is a risk factor of suicidal behavior. The suicidal behavior declared itself with suicidal attempts much more than suicidal ideas. Suicidal attempts were impulsive and dangerous with risk for life. It point to seriousness and danger results of suicidal behavior.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S291-S292
Author(s):  
K. Andersen ◽  
M. Bogenschutz ◽  
G. Bühringer ◽  
S. Behrendt ◽  
B. Braun ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe western societies have a rapidly aging population and an increasing number of elderly with alcohol use disorders.ObjectiveThe purpose of the elderly study is to develop and test an outpatient behavior therapy program for people with an alcohol use disorders.Aim of this abstractTo investigate the association between ages, gender, drinking pattern and psychology distress.MethodThe study is a randomized study expected to enroll and treat 1000 participants aged 60+ years before April 2017; 200 in USA; 400 in Germany and 400 in Denmark. To be included in the study the participants have to fulfil the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder. All participants are examined at baseline, and at four follow up interviews. After the baseline interview all participants are randomized to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET); or MET followed by 8 weeks of counseling based on the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) with a module added to address problems relevants to elderly people.ResultsThe presentation will include baseline characteristics of the Danish participants including demographics, expectations to treatment, history of drinking in the last 90 days before baseline and their psychological distress. We have now enrolled 259 participants in the Danish database. We expect to present results from 320 patients.ConclusionThe data will present information about the profile of 60+ years’ individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder, and thereby provide knowledge about which characteristics that may be important when planning treatment for this age group.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S484-S484
Author(s):  
O. Porta Olivares ◽  
M. Juncal Ruiz ◽  
M. Gómez Revuelta ◽  
G. Pardo de Santayana Jenaro ◽  
L. Sánchez Blanco ◽  
...  

IntroductionAlcohol dependence belongs to one of the major risk factors to health worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a significant factor for mortality in the world: 6.3% in men and 1.1% in women. The alcohol use disorder is also very common: 5.4% in men, 1.5% in women. Despite its high frequency and severity of this disorder, only 8% of all alcohol dependents are treated once.AimsAn interesting treatment option is geared toward reducing alcohol intake. Some patients in treatment for alcohol use disorder prefer an initial target of reducing consumption. Nalmefene, an antagonist naltrexone associated with opioid receptors, has been authorized in the European Union to help alcohol-dependent patients reduce their consumption. Antagonists’ opiate receptors are associated with reduced reward in relation to alcohol consumption, thus helping patients in reducing energy consumption.MethodsA man of 39 years old, with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and depressive disorder and poor outcome despite different types of treatment (as aversive agents) was treated with nalmefene.ResultsAfter a few months, nalmefene had a beneficial effect on the patient, with a significant reduction in the number of days of excessive alcohol consumption and total consumption in the sixth month. In addition, treatment was well tolerated, with no observed secondary effects.ConclusionsNalmefene appears to be effective and safe in reducing heavy drinking. Drugs such as nalmefene have demonstrated efficacy in association with a biopsychosocial approach to help patients achieve their personal objectives for this disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document