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The need to consider mood disorders, and especially chronic mania, in cases of Diogenes syndrome (squalor syndrome)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2010

G. Fond ,
F. Jollant  and
M. Abbar
G. Fond*
Affiliation:
University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France Inserm, U888, Montpellier, France Department of Emergency Psychiatry, Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, France
F. Jollant
Affiliation:
University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France Inserm, U888, Montpellier, France Department of Emergency Psychiatry, Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, France
M. Abbar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nîmes, France
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Guillaume Fond, Hôpital la Colombière/CHU de Montpellier, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, 39 Avenue Charles Flahault, F-34295-Montpellier, France. Phone: +33 0467339702; Fax: +33 0467339660. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

We report the case of a 69 year-old female patient who was hospitalized for Diogenes syndrome, defined by marked self-neglect, social withdrawal and excessive hoarding, leading to squalor. Somatic causes were eliminated. Her personal history showed an eight-year depressive episode followed by a 20-year hypomanic episode without remission, followed by a persistent manic episode associated with Diogenes syndrome for four years. The Diogenes syndrome was successfully treated with mood stabilizers. Mood disorders – in particular chronic mania (i.e. a manic episode lasting more than two years) – should be considered in cases of Diogenes syndrome and in current classifications.

Keywords

Diogenessqualor syndromechronic manialithiummood disordersbipolar
Type
Case Report
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , April 2011 , pp. 505 - 507
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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