Abstract
Objective: General paresis of the insane is a late and severe form of neurosyphilis characterized by nonspecific neuropsychiatric symptoms. There are a limited number of case reports of mood disorders presenting in neurosyphilis, with depressive illness being the most common. Methods: We performed a literature review of case reports of secondary bipolar disorder induced by syphilitic infection. Results: Herein reported is a case of a 53-year-old woman who initially presented with symptoms of mania and depression, mimicking bipolar disorder, but was subsequently diagnosed with general paresis of the insane. Conclusion: The present case report emphasizes that if a substantial delay occurs in syphilis diagnosis and management, the patient may have a very poor prognosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 309-312 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Bipolar disorders |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bipolar disorder
- General paresis of the insane
- Neurosyphilis
- Treponema pallidum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Biological Psychiatry