Cotard’s Syndrome in Adolescence: A Case Report

Abstract

Cotard’s syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by nihilistic and hypochondriacal delusions that generally occur in individuals with some predisposition or in association with a psychiatric or organic disease. Its development is even more unusual in pediatric population. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the available scientific evidence, based on the description of a clinical case. Data were obtained from clinical records and a careful search and analysis on the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. We illustrate the case of a 15-year-old female adolescent with Cotard’s syndrome in the context of an adjustment disorder. Cotard’s syndrome can be associated with chronicity, self-neglect and suicide, but a prompt diagnosis and treatment can promote a good outcome. This case shows how the use of antipsychotics complemented by psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions can promote a complete remission of the condition.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Delusions