[About the Cotard's syndrome].
INTRODUCTION, AIMS: The authors present the Cotard's syndrome, a rare psychiatric condition, pointing out the latest results in terms of etiology and psychoneurology. The central feature of the syndrome is a nihilistic delusion, in which the patient denies his or her own existence and that of the external world.


METHODS
We searched electronic databases using the appropriate search terms, relevant articles were carefully reviewed. We present three cases from our clinical practice.


RESULTS
After the overview of the latest biological and neuropsychological findings, the historical aspects of the condition, the terminology, the nosology, the classification, the differential diagnostics and the etiology are discussed. The psychopathology and the phenomenology of Cotard's syndrome are also presented, shedding light on existential aspects as well. To sum up with useful information for the clinical practice, the possible treatment strategies, the course and the prognosis of the disease are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented theoretical and practical aspects give a lead on deeper understanding, easier recognition and more adequate therapy of the Cotard's syndrome.
Nagy
Agnes
A
Pszichiátriai és Pszichoterápiás Klinika, Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Pécs.
Vörös
Viktor
V
Tényi
Tamás
T
D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D003702:Delusions / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006117:Grief; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011936:Reality Testing; D012119:Respiration; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D013577:Syndrome; D009626:Terminology as Topic