[A modern Kaspar Hauser].
OBJECTIVE
The case of a mentally disturbed young man is described, whose identity could not be revealed over more than four months. It is compared to Kaspar Hauser, similarities and differences are highlighted.


RESULTS
The "Kaspar Hauser of Stuttgart" is retrospectively revealed as a young man with experiences of severe deprivation. The missing case history and independent history were an obstacle in the treatment, albeit not fundamental, advantages being reached with a relation-oriented approach.


CONCLUSIONS
Informations obtained after clarification of the identity of the young man suggest a multiplication of unfavourable circumstances, leading to sub-optimal treatment and finally the "Kaspar-Hauser-Situation". Contributing were his belonging to the less integrated group of migrants in Germany, as well as severe deprivation in the family and a generally sub-optimal treatment of mentally disturbed young patients.
Etzersdorfer
Elmar
E
Furtbachkrankenhaus, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Stuttgart. etzersdorfer@fbkh.org
Schäfer
Monika
M
Becker-Pfaff
Johannes
J
D000293:Adolescent; D005858:Germany; D049672:History, 19th Century; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000266:history; D008297:Male; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D014421:Turkey / Q000208:ethnology