Organic Personality Disorder and Diogenes Symptoms: Case Report and Current Status of the Issue

Abstract

Objective

To review the current knowledge about Diogenes symptoms and organic personality disorder through systematic review of the literature and the analysis of a case.

Methods

Case report. Review. Literature sources were obtained through electronic search in PubMed.gov database of 10 last years.

Results

Background: Diogenes syndrome is a behavioral disorder characterized by severe self-neglect, hoarding, domestic dirt, and lack of shame regarding one's living state. Patients may present due to a range of reasons, few studies has been described hoarding symptoms secondary to brain injury. Early management could reduce their high-mortality condition.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian female known with a organic personality disorder secondary to a head trauma with obsessive hoarding symptoms. After being hospitalizated, we were authorized to explore her personal items trough photographs. Her handbag and her house were filled with rubbish and rotting food. Our patient had no insight into any self-hygiene or public health problems.

Conclusions

Information of the characteristics of Diogenes syndrome can help in earlier recognition of such persons, in order to decrease their morbidity and mortality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.