Depression as a mask for dyscirculatory encephalopathy and its therapy

Abstract

In outpatient practice, neurologists often face patients diagnosed with dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DEP). Sleep disorders, headaches, rapid and unexplained fatigability, and irritability are predominating, which poses a number of complex medical issues. A case report of a 69 year-old patient, who was being followed up for a long time because of DEP diagnosis is reported. However, examination of the neu-ropsychic status revealed the depressive disorder with somatoform complaints, which was verified by a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy and antidepressant therapy led to significant improvement. The differential diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders in outpatient practice are discussed.

Keywords

• dyscirculatory encephalopathy
• affective disorders
• depression
• cognitive impairment
• differential diagnosis.