Neurosyphilis presenting as mania

Izabela Guimarães Barbosa, Thiago Cardoso Vale, Daniela Lino de Macedo, Rodrigo Santiago Gomez, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-312
Number of pages4
JournalBipolar disorders
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bipolar disorder
  • General paresis of the insane
  • Neurosyphilis
  • Treponema pallidum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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