Obsessive-compulsive disorder with mitochondrial disease.
BACKGROUND
Mitochondrial diseases are among the most common genetic disorders, and they have been associated with several psychiatric syndromes.


METHODS
The authors present two cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occurring in patients with MELAS (the A3243G mutation).


RESULTS
Their clinical course and response to standard OCD treatment strategies was poor.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible mechanisms for OCD symptoms are suggested by animal models and neuropathological findings. It remains unclear whether different types of mitochondrial disorders are associated with particular neuropsychiatric symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms may predate the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorder; thus, psychiatrists should consider mitochondrial disorders in the presence of common physical signs that are typically associated with these disorders.
Lacey
Cameron J
CJ
Psychiatric Consultation Service, 74 Oxford Tce, Christchurch, NZ. cameron.lacey@gmail.com
Salzberg
Michael R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D017241:MELAS Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D000077152:Olanzapine; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D000077152:Olanzapine