Diagnosis and treatment of a severe psychotic illness in a man with dual severe sensory impairments caused by the presence of Usher syndrome.
The present paper reports the case history of a 50-year-old man born with Usher syndrome, who developed a psychotic illness later in life, to illustrate the specific diagnostic problems, and the value of direct observation and a detailed assessment of communication. The subject had had a significant hearing impairment since birth, problems with balance and developed retinitis pigmentosa, leaving him with progressively limited vision in adult life. A pattern of bizarre and aggressive behaviour, and a disintegration in his ability to communicate using signs developed over 3 months. An initial diagnosis of depression was made, but it later became clearer that the subject had developed a psychotic illness. This condition responded well to a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. The possible association between Usher syndrome and psychotic illness is also discussed.
Hess-Röver
J
J
Begirkskranhenhaus, Augsdurd, Germany.
Crichton
J
J
Byrne
K
K
Holland
A J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001766:Blindness / Q000150:complications*; D006224:Cricetinae; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D012174:Retinitis Pigmentosa / Q000150:complications*; D013577:Syndrome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol