Is There a Shared Somatic Disorder? Communication of Non Delusional Symptoms in Nigeria

1992 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 699-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunny T.C. Ilechukwu
Keyword(s):  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Somatic Disorder ◽  
Prolonged Contact

In a setting in which somatic symptoms without obvious organic causes are prevalent and in which doctors do not have very convincing explanations to offer, people in prolonged contact with such patients may appear to develop similar symptoms but claim the original patient as the source of their symptoms. At times, it is the original patient that detects the similarity and raises the question of contagion. Based on a study of four Nigerian patients, the author proposes the possible existence of a shared somatic disorder, comparable in many ways to induced psychotic disorder (DSM-III-R) and reopens the discussion on the whole concept of sharing/communication of psychiatric symptoms.

The phenomenology and explanatory models of common mental disorder: a study in primary care in Harare, Zimbabwe

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1191-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Patel ◽  
F. Gwanzura ◽  
E. Simunyu ◽  
K. Lloyd ◽  
A. Mann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Traditional Healer ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Duration Of Illness ◽  
American Concept

synopsisIn order to describe the explanatory models and the etic and emic phenomena of common mental disorder in Harare, Zimbabwe, 110 subjects were selected by general nurses in three clinics and by four traditional healers from their current clients. The subjects were interviewed using the Explanatory Model Interview and the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule.Mental disorder most commonly presented with somatic symptoms, but few patients denied that their mind or soul was the source of illness. Spiritual factors were frequently cited as causes of mental illness. Subjects who were selected by traditional healer, reported a greater duration of illness and were more likely to provide a spiritual explanation for their illness.The majority of subjects were classified as ‘cases’ by the etic criteria of the CISR. Most patients, however, showed a mixture of psychiatric symptoms that did not fall clearly into a single diagnostic group. Patients from a subgroup with a spiritual model of illness were less likely to conform to etic criteria of ‘caseness’ and they may represent a unique category of psychological distress in Zimbabwe. A wide variety of emic phenomena were elicited that have been incorporated in an indigenous measure of non-psychotic mental disorder. Kufungisisa, or thinking too much, seemed to be the Shona term closest to the Euro-American concept of neurotic illness.

Protracted delirium with Sheehan's syndrome

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Gahr ◽  
Sigrun Hügl ◽  
Roland Freudenmann
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Personality Change ◽  
Sheehan’S Syndrome ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Somatic Illness ◽  
Sheehan's Syndrome

Objective: Delirium is a common problem, but often misdiagnosed and unidentified. Apart from the manifold clinical picture variable durations can also be an obstacle for its diagnosis.Methods: We present a case of protracted delirium that has developed after severe somatic illness in association with previously undiagnosed Sheehan's syndrome.Results: The variety of psychiatric symptoms with initial psychotic disorder and the long run of the disease delayed the diagnosis of delirium and meantime gave reason to assume personality change.Conclusion: This case report calls attention to the possibility of protracted delirium in patients with neuropsychiatric deficit symptoms that persist subsequent to somatic illness.

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), Developmental Regression and Autism

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S122-S122
Author(s):  
S. Bejerot ◽  
E. Hesselmark
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Phenotype ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Developmental Regression ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Positive Effect

IntroductionPediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a term used to describe a clinical picture which includes sudden onset of psychiatric symptoms and a possible autoimmune genesis. The sudden decline in neuropsychiatric functioning as well as the multiple combinations of symptoms may lead to a clinical phenotype similar to that in infantile autism (IA) with regressive features. We are conducting a study with the aim to evaluate a diagnostic test for PANS currently marketed by Moleculera Labs. All patients in Sweden who had taken the test (n = 154) were invited to the study.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to characterize a subgroup of patients with IA within the PANS diagnosis study.MethodsParticipants (n = 53) were examined for psychiatric and somatic symptoms and evaluated for PANS caseness by an experienced psychiatrist. Because the criteria for entering the study was having taken the diagnostic test for PANS, the participants in the study comprise a group with mixed symptoms.ResultsTwelve participants had IA. Eleven of these reported a developmental regression with loss of abilities. Two of the IA patients also fulfill criteria for PANS. Eight of the IA patients had been treated with antibiotics for psychiatric symptoms and 4 reported a positive effect of this treatment. Nine of the patients had elevated test results suggesting possible PANS according to Moleculera Labs.ConclusionsVery early onset on PANS may be phenotypically similar to IA with regressive features. Further analysis of the immunological attributes of patients with autism with regressive features is warranted.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Alcohol Induced Psychotic Disorder: Prevalence and Risk Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
PM Singh ◽  
S Karmacharya ◽  
S Khadka ◽  
Sc Gautam ◽  
N Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Cross Sectional

 Introduction: Alcohol is a potent drug that can produce serious psychiatric symptoms including psychosis. It is believed that approximately 3% of alcoholic persons experience auditory hallucinations or paranoid delusions in the context of heavy drinking or withdrawal. Across Nepal, alcohol use varies widely and alcohol dependence is an increasing problem. So this study aims to provide information regarding prevalence and risk factors of Alcohol Induced Psychotic Disorder in context of Nepal. Material And Method: A hosiptal-based cross- sectional study was carried out among 37 patients admitted in psychiatric inpatient ward at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu with the diagnosis of AIPD from the period of Magh 2075 to Poush 2076. Semi-structured proforma developed by department of Psychiatry was used to collect socio- demographic data. The consent was taken from the patients and caregivers and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Diagnosis was based on ICD-10 DCR criteria and the collected data was analyzed with SPSS. Results: There were total 37 patients (29 males and 8 females) admitted with the diagnosis of AIPD and the prevalence of AIPD in our study was 6.19%. Among them majority of the patients (35.1%) were of age group (41-50) years and more than half were from rural areas (64.9%). Nearly half of the patients were educated upto primary level (45.9%) and (35.1%) were farmer by occupation. Also Hindus (56.8%) were found to be more associated with AIPD than Buddhist or Christian. Conclusion: The findings of this study concluded that alcohol is a substantial problem in Nepal. The efforts should be used to increase public awareness about the problems associated with alcohol.

scholarly journals Psychopathology among apprentice traditional health practitioners: A quantitative study from rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 136346152094967
Author(s):  
Martine C.E. van der Zeijst ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Elliot Mqansa Makhathini ◽  
Sisanda Mtshemla ◽  
Ndukuzakhe D. Mbatha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Traditional Health Practitioners ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Health Practitioners

Sociocultural context seems to influence the epidemiology, phenotype, treatment, and course of psychosis. However, data from low- and middle-income countries is sparse. This research is part of a multidisciplinary and multimethod study on possible mental disturbances, including hallucinations, among (apprentice) traditional health practitioners (THPs) who have experienced the “ancestral calling to become a THP” in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of the current article is to examine whether the calling-related experiences can be assessed according to a psychiatric taxonomy. We included individuals who were identified with the calling and who were undergoing training to become a THP ( ukuthwasa). IsiZulu-speaking formal mental health practitioners conducted thorough psychiatric interviews that measured psychological experiences with and without distress using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, and psychiatric symptoms and disorders using the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Of the 48 individuals who participated, 92% had psychotic experiences (PE), causing distress in 75%; and 23% met DSM-5 criteria for an unspecified psychotic disorder (15%) or mood disorder (8%). In conclusion, in rural KwaZulu-Natal, the ancestral calling may resemble phenomena that psychiatry would understand in the context of psychosis, ranging from subclinical PE to clinical psychotic disorder. Ukuthwasa might have a beneficial influence on the course of psychotic symptoms in some individuals, potentially because it reduces stigma and promotes recovery. Further multidisciplinary research is needed to investigate the psychopathology of the apprentice THPs and the underlying processes of ukuthwasa.

scholarly journals Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality (DiSCoVR) for People With a Psychotic Disorder: Single-Group Feasibility and Acceptability Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Anne Nijman ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Kirstin Greaves-Lord ◽  
Maarten Vos ◽  
Catharina Elizabeth Regina Zandee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Emotion Perception ◽  
Preliminary Treatment ◽  
Single Group ◽  
Training Environment ◽  
Social Cognition Training

BACKGROUND People with a psychotic disorder commonly experience problems in social cognition and functioning. Social cognition training (SCT) improves social cognition, but may inadequately simulate real-life social interactions. Virtual reality (VR) provides a realistic, interactive, customizable, and controllable training environment, which could facilitate the application of skills in daily life. OBJECTIVE We developed a 16-session immersive VR SCT (Dynamic Interactive Social Cognition Training in Virtual Reality [DiSCoVR]) and conducted a single-group feasibility pilot study. METHODS A total of 22 people with a psychotic disorder and reported problems in social cognition participated. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a survey for participants and therapists, and by examining relevant parameters (eg, dropouts). We analyzed preliminary treatment effects on social cognition, neurocognition, and psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS A total of 17 participants completed the study. Participants enjoyed DiSCoVR (mean 7.25, SD 2.05; range 3-10), thought it was useful for daily social activities (mean 7.00, SD 2.05; range 3-10), and enjoyed the combination of VR and a therapist (mean 7.85, SD 2.11; range 3-10). The most frequently mentioned strength of DiSCoVR was the opportunity to practice with personalized social situations (14/20, 70%). A significant improvement of emotion perception was observed (Ekman 60 Faces; t<sub>16</sub>=–4.79, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, <i>d</i>=–0.67), but no significant change was found in other measures of social cognition, neurocognition, psychiatric symptoms, or self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS DiSCoVR was feasible and acceptable to participants and therapists, and may improve emotion perception.

scholarly journals Brief psychotic disorder occurring after Covid-19 in a patient with no history of psychiatric diseases - a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julita Poleszak-Szabat ◽  
Małgorzata Romaniuk-Suswał ◽  
Paweł Krukow
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychiatric Diseases ◽  
Brief Psychotic Disorder ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Isolation Ward

Abstract Introduction: Although the typical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are respiratory symptoms, it has been shown that the virus can also attack the central nervous system (CNS) causing neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Aim: The aim of the study was to present a case of a 52-year-old woman, previously untreated for psychiatric diseases, who developed brief psychotic disorder occurring after Covid-19 infection. Case report: A patient in the biological treatment of asthma, came for a follow-up visit, during which the doctor diagnosed psychopathological symptoms in the form of delusions, never previously observed. The interview showed that the patient was discharged from the Isolation ward 10 days before, where she was hospitalized because of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion: There are several theories regarding the mechanisms of pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the course of Covid-19 infection. Much space in the literature is devoted to pathological immune responses. One of the reasons for the development of delusions in the described patient could therefore be the acute phase of the inflammatory reaction in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Brief psychotic disorder with delusion content related to the COVID-19 outbreak

Psychiatriki ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyriaki Marouda ◽  
Leonidas Mantonakis ◽  
Konstantinos Kollias
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Stressful Life Event ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Brief Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
History Of

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected millions of people globally and it also has a huge psychological impact. The objective of this case report is to outline the possible effect of the COVID-19 pandemic to the content of delusions in patients with psychosis. Α 34-year-old male with no history of mental disorder, involuntarily hospitalized due to agitation and aggression towards others, experienced grandiose delusions, referential delusions and delusions of passivity. The content of all his delusions was related to the COVID-19 pandemic. His symptoms were not proven to be caused by any physical condition or substance use disorder. He was prescribed olanzapine 10mg bd and lorazepam 2,5mg td and demonstrated significant improvement with a complete subsidence of his symptoms within a week. He was discharged after a total of 13 days with an ICD-10 diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder. At his 6 months follow-up, he reported no psychiatric symptoms. Existing literature indicates a strong relationship between life experiences and the content of delusions. This case report highlights how the stressful life event of the COVID-19 outbreak affected the content of our patient’s delusions.

scholarly journals Psychiatric consultations and the management of associated comorbid medical conditions in a regional referral hospital

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Nkokone S Z Tema ◽  
A B R Janse van Rensburg
Keyword(s):  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Aetiological Factor ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
General Medical Condition ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Medical Wards

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Psychiatrists are often called upon to evaluate patients with a medical condition and psychiatric symptoms, either as a complication thereof or initial presenting symptoms. There are often grey areas with regard to neuropsychiatric disorders in which psychiatrists and specialists from other clinical disciplines would need to co-manage or share ideas on the comprehensive treatment of a presenting patient. Objectives. This study was undertaken to provide a demographic and clinical profile of all patients consulted by the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) service at the Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg, and to describe the clinical management of patients admitted with a diagnosis of a mental disorder associated with a comorbid medical condition, including delirium, dementia and a mood or psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition.</p><p><strong> Methods.</strong> A retrospective record review of all patients referred to the HJH CLP team over a 6-month period. Results. A total of 884 routine and emergency consultations were done for 662 patients (males n=305; females n=357) between the ages of 13 and 90 years who were referred from various other clinical departments. The most common documented reason for referral was a request for assessment (n=182; 27.5%), which consisted of mental state assessment, reconsultation and assessing capacity. A total of 63 patients (10.0% of cases consulted) were admitted to either the medical or psychiatric wards with a confirmed diagnosis of delirium, dementia and/or a mood or psychotic disorder due to a general medical condition (although admission wards were identified in 55 files only). The medical wards admitted the majority (n=37; 67.3%) mostly for delirium (n=28; 50.9%). HIV was identified as the most common systemic aetiological factor (n=23; 67.7%).</p><p><strong> Conclusion.</strong> In this study, a female patient between 31 and 45 years of age was slightly more likely to be referred to the HJH CLP service for assessment, and was more likely to be managed in the medical wards for delirium, which was most often associated with HIV/AIDS. The study highlighted the need for development of guidelines to facilitate adequate and effective use of this service for the local practice of CLP in a general specialist referral hospital like HJH, which would cover the following: clinical management; training needs; and administrative procedures.</p>

Brief psychotic disorder mimicking the symptoms of cerebrovascular attack evoked by symptoms that symbolized death in a patient with terminal stage stomach cancer: Case report and review of the literature

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
HIDEKI ONISHI ◽  
SHIGEKO OKUNO ◽  
SUZU YAE ◽  
MOTONORI SAIRENJI ◽  
MASANARI ONOSE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Stomach Cancer ◽  
Psychotic Disorder ◽  
General Condition ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Brief Psychotic Disorder ◽  
Nasal Bleeding ◽  
Short Episode

Objective: We report here a terminally ill patient with stomach cancer who developed a brief psychotic disorder mimicking cerebrovascular attack after a short episode of nasal bleeding. Close examination of the patient revealed that nasal bleeding was an event that symbolized deterioration of the general condition leading to death for the patient.Methods: A 77-year-old male, who was diagnosed as having stomach cancer and was receiving palliative care, presented with tremor and insomnia just after a short episode of nasal bleeding and showed reduced response to stimuli mimicking cerebrovascular attack. Laboratory data were unremarkable. The next day, catatonic behavior developed. He had no history of psychiatric illness or drug or alcohol abuse. After receiving haloperidol, psychiatric symptoms disappeared and he returned to the previous level of functioning within 3 days. The patient explained that he had seen a patient whose general condition deteriorated after nasal bleeding and regarded nasal bleeding as a symptom of deteriorating general condition leading to death and thereafter became afraid of the nasal bleeding.Results and Significance of results: Although, nasal bleeding is common and usually not severe in medical settings, for the patient, it was an event that symbolized deterioration of the general condition leading to death. Brief psychotic disorder in cancer patients is rare in the literature, although patients receiving terminal care share various kinds of psychological burden. Medical staff in the palliative care unit should be aware of the psychological distress experienced by each patient and consider brief psychotic disorder as part of the differential diagnosis when patients show unexplained neurological-like and/or psychiatric symptoms.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document