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A Dementia Syndrome of Dependency?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Roger Howells  and
Barbara Beats
Roger Howells*
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ
Barbara Beats
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

The diagnostic process in a case of dementia associated with physical and emotional dependence is described. The utility of sodium amylobarbitone abreaction is considered. The role of both psychodynamic and organic factors are emphasised in the aetiological work-up. The organic factors discussed include alcohol, sedative tranquillisers, solvents, and metals. The term ‘pseudodementia’ is not favoured, and the phrase ‘dementia syndrome of dependency’ is proposed.

Type
Case Conference
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 154 , Issue 6 , June 1989 , pp. 872 - 876
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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