Niemann-Pick type C disease - the tip of the iceberg? A review of neuropsychiatric presentation, diagnosis and treatment

BJPsych Bull. 2017 Apr;41(2):109-114. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.116.054072.

Abstract

Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. It is highly heterogeneous, and there is limited awareness of a substantial subgroup that has an attenuated adolescent/adult-onset disease. In these patients psychiatric features, often a psychosis, may dominate the initial impression, although often there is an associated ataxia and cognitive impairment. Typically, patients experience a substantial diagnostic delay. In this review we highlight the importance of early recognition and discuss the pathophysiology, neuropsychiatric presentation and recent changes in the investigation and work-up of these patients, and treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review