Sickness due to (com)passion: A case of Cotard’s Syndrome

Authors

  • Diana Malheiro Mota Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho
  • Mário Marques dos Santos Serviço de Psiquiatra e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/ Espinho
  • Ângela Venâncio Serviço de Psiquiatra e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/ Espinho
  • Lima Monteiro Serviço de Psiquiatra e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/ Espinho
  • Lúcia Ribeiro Serviço de Psiquiatra e Saúde Mental do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/ Espinho

Keywords:

Delírio de Cotard, Síndrome de Cotard, Perturbação Depressiva Major, Idoso, Psicose

Abstract

Background: Cotard’s Delusion is a rare
subtype of depressive delusion which tends to
occur in the elderly and female individuals.


Aims: To report a case of Cotard’s delusion
and to review the concept and clinical features
of the condition.


Methods: A clinical case of Cotard’s delusion
is presented and a discussion of this
theme and clinical characteristics were
broached.


Results and Conclusions: The clinical case
presents a 80 year old -female with a major
depressive episode admitted to hospital with
severe -psychotic and depressive symptoms.
During her hospitalization she was medicated
with sertraline, mirtazapine and
risperidone with a fully response. A correct
diagnosis of Cotard’s delusion and its differentiation
from other psychopathologically
similar conditions are essential for an adequate
approach and treatment.

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Published

2021-06-15

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Case Reports

License

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