2007 suplement 1

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Volume 16, suplement 1

Case report

Dementia or late-onset schizophrenia? A case study

Arkadiusz Nowak1, Witold Siudek1, Krzysztof Krysta1, Irena Krupka-Matuszczyk1
1. Klinika Psychiatrii i Psychoterapii Śląskiej Akademii Medycznej w Katowicach
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2007; 16, suplement 1 (21): 45-48
Keywords: schizophrenia, dementia

Abstract

Objective. Difficulties in diagnostic differentiation between dementia and late-onset schizophrenia in a 48-year-old female patient are discussed.

Case. The patient developed her first complaints, initially of neurotic character, at the age of 46. These were followed by the onset of psychotic symptoms, increasingly impaired functioning, and more and more marked cognitive deficits. Her medication included antidepressive, antipsychotic andprocognitive treatment. Late-onset schizophrenia was diagnosed. In the differential diagnosis an early-onset dementia, neurological conditions, and atypical depression were taken into consideration.

Commentary. Our doubts concerning the patient's further treatment are emphasized due to the complexity of the clinical picture of her condition and its atypical course. The eventual diagnosis, treatment and prognosis remain an "open question".

Address for correspondence:
Dr Arkadiusz Nowak
Klinika Psychiatrii i Psychoterapii Śląskiej Akademii Medycznej
ul. Ziołowa 45/47, 40-635 Katowice