Harnessing neuroplasticity in Diogenes syndrome: a proposed mechanism to explain clinical improvement

Jessica E Waserman; Ana Hategan; James A Bourgeois

doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2014.06.013

Harnessing neuroplasticity in Diogenes syndrome: a proposed mechanism to explain clinical improvement

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2014 Nov-Dec;36(6):761.e3-5. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2014.06.013. Epub 2014 Jul 9.

Authors

Jessica E Waserman¹, Ana Hategan², James A Bourgeois³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
² Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: ahategan@stjosham.on.ca.
³ Department of Psychiatry/Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, Consultation-Liaison Service, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.

PMID: 25091139
DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2014.06.013

Abstract

Extreme neglect of one's living space and self-care is a perplexing condition termed Diogenes syndrome, where outcomes of intervention are often poor, with high relapse and mortality rates. Relatively little has been reported regarding management approaches. We present a case of Diogenes syndrome responsive to a structured behavioral paradigm during a hospital admission and speculate on the mechanism of neuroplasticity-based behavioral treatment in facilitating clinical improvement.

Keywords: Diogenes syndrome; Elderly; Neglect; Neuroplasticity.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
Aged
Behavior Therapy / methods*
Behavioral Symptoms / therapy*
Hoarding / therapy*
Humans
Hygiene
Male
Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
Social Isolation*
Syndrome
Treatment Outcome