Citation

Grau L, Palomo A. Rev. Psiquiatr. Facul. Med. Barc. 2006; 33(2): 102-105.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Rocas)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Introducción: Complex visual hallucinations in the elderly people affected with visual impairment are characteristic of the Charles-Bonnet syndrome. In this paper we discuss a patient with this diagnosis and we review the subject from a historical, epidemiologic and therapeutic perspective. Clinical case: An 80 year-old male presented complex visual hallucinations after suffering a retinal bilateral thrombosis. Although the patient was aware of the unreality of the images, they produced severe distress and behavioural disturbances that led him to a suicide attempt. The patient was admitted in a psychiatric unit after an organic cause (tumor, cerebral stroke, others) was discarded performing neuroimaging tests. Other causes such as drug use or cognitive impairment were also discarded; hence he was diagnosed as Charles-Bonnet syndrome. After receiving antipsychotic treatment and psychotherapy his condition improved.

CONCLUSION: The Charles-Bonnet syndrome diagnosis has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of hallucinatory processes in people with sensory impairment.

Language: es

Keywords

human; male; aged; case report; psychotherapy; suicide attempt; disease severity; drug abuse; neuroimaging; Visual impairment; review; distress syndrome; behavior disorder; hospital admission; clinical feature; cognitive defect; psychiatric department; haloperidol; lorazepam; anamnesis; diagnostic test; thrombosis; outcome assessment; visual hallucination; Charles Bonnet syndrome; Charles-Bonnet syndrome; Visual hallucinations