title: Psychogenic coma: case report.
abstract: Coma is present when the patient appears asleep, is unrousable, and unresponsive. Where no underlying medical condition is found, the role of the psychiatrist may become prominent. We present a clinical case and review the literature on psychogenic coma. According to DSM-IV-TR, psychogenic coma is a dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. Management is largely supportive. Principles include speaking in a reassuring manner and avoiding repeated painful stimuli. Education of family and other professionals that symptoms are real and not consciously feigned may be important. There may be a short-term role for anxiolytic and/or antipsychotic medication to assist return to consciousness.
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. cynthiabaxter@shaw.ca
authors.forename: Cynthia L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003128:Coma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male