A somatic type delusional disorder secondary to peripheral neuropathy: a case report.

Author(s): Ghoreishi A

Affiliation(s): Department of psychiatry and Metabolic Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. swt_f@yahoo.com

Publication date & source: 2008-03, Psychiatr Danub., 20(1):85-7.

Publication type: Case Reports

Delusional disorders are one of the psychiatric disorders with unknown etiology. Various factors have been considered as risk factors (predisposing factors) for delusional disorders. Positive family history of psychiatric disorders particularly delusional disorders, is the most important risk factor. In this report, we present a 40-year old man with somatic delusions following intoxication with Phenobarbital and left brachial plexus injury (C6, C7, C8) in stupor state. Two weeks after discharge from the hospital, he developed a significant somatic delusion about his left upper extremity. To our knowledge, somatic delusions secondary to peripheral neuropathy has not been reported up to now therefore this case illustrates a very rare organic delusional disorder.