Suspicion of somatoform disorder in undiagnosed tabes dorsalis

Article Abstract:

Tabes dorsalis, characterized in part by severe stabbing pains in the trunk and legs, is often associated with syphilis. One of the problems with diagnosing syphilis, especially the late stages when there is neurological involvement, is that it often mimics other disorders. The incidence of the diseases has also steadily declined. In the present case, a medical team requested that a 55-year-old woman be psychiatrically evaluated because they suspected that she had a somatoform disorder. A somatoform disorder is a psychiatric condition exhibiting symptoms suggestive of a physical disorder but without physical findings. The psychiatric team initially felt that the patient was suffering from organically based pain and they recommended further medical testing. She was confirmed to have syphilis, treated, and within 10 days her physical pain had remitted. Despite classic symptoms of tabes dorsalis, it was not initially suspected by the medical team. It is possible that this was because of the unlikelihood that the woman would have been suffering from syphilis given its relatively low incidence today. it is important that medical staff reinforce their awareness that syphilis persists as a health problem and must be recognized as the ''great imitator'' of other neurological, psychiatric, and medical illnesses that it is. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Diagnosis, Complications and side effects, Somatoform disorders, Syphilis, Neurosyphilis

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Diagnosis and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Article Abstract:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is no longer considered rare, as it ranks fourth among psychiatric diagnoses and may affect about 3% of the U.S. population. OCD is not an exaggerated form of normal response, nor a psychosis; it should also be distinguished from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Those who suffer from OCD are aware of the irrationality of their obsessions or compulsions, but are unable to control them. An imbalance of serotonin may be associated with OCD, and treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as clomipramine HCl, fluoxetine HCl or fluvoxamine is often effective.

Care and treatment, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder

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