Diogene syndrome: About two clinical cases

Abstract

Introduction

Diogenes syndrome was first described in 1975 by Clark to characterize the behavioral disorder in the elderly involving neglect of personal and domestic hygiene and a hoarding disorder or hoarding. He is regarded as a psychiatric disorder in its own right in the DSM V and declines criteria compulsive hoarding disorder (“Hoarding Disorder”). The condition is under diagnosed or its prevalence is important from 3.3 to 4, 6%.

Objective

Study through two clinical, etiologic and psychopathological diogenes syndrome (DS) and the main diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.

Case n^o. 1

Mrs. L. is 57 years old, without children and with a degree in political science. She was taken back by his partner for behavioral disorder type of pathological accumulation of objects. His home has become inaccessible due to the accumulation of multiple stacks of magazines and other items. The meeting allowed to objectify an incurique presentation, delusional and hallucinatory syndrome.

Case n^o. 2

Mrs. BH aged 67, retired, widowed for 17 years. She lives alone after the suicide of his daughter. This would be followed by breast cancer. The patient was admitted following a report of neighbors who discovered that Mrs. BH, isolated for months, sleeping in the garden of her home saw the unhealthy state of the place and the accumulation of waste.

Conclusion

Diogenes syndrome is heterogeneous, covering multiple medical, psychiatric and social situations. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood and its management refers to any clinician can examine ethical questions the legitimacy of its actions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.