Hoofbeats and zebras: neurodegenerative disorder presenting as a "first episode" of psychosis

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2011 Jul-Aug;33(4):412.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2011.03.011. Epub 2011 May 5.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders can include diverse neuropsychiatric symptoms. Here we present a case referred to a "first-episode" psychosis clinic with socio-occupational decline, auditory hallucinations and paranoid ideation who subsequently exhibited a rapid, severe cognitive and behavioral decline. The brain magnetic resonance imaging findings of the patient have shown a progressive cortical atrophy prominent in the frontal lobes due to a neurodegenerative disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential*
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / diagnosis*
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychotic Disorders / physiopathology*