Acute psychosis in an adolescent with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction

Cerebral Palsy is a movement, posture or muscle toning disorder caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth. It is a leading cause for serious disabilities in childhood and a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, particularly in adolescents. Moreover, according to DSM-5, a Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term illness with psychotic symptoms, which arise suddenly, but last for less than one month, after which the person recovers completely.

Objectives/Aims

The authors aim to present a case of an adolescent with cerebral palsy who has developed secondary psychotic symptoms, a rare and sparsely understood phenomenon.

Methods

A non-systematic review of English scientific literature was conducted through research in the PubMed search engine, using the keywords “Cerebral Palsy” and “Brief Psychotic Disorder”.

Results

A 16-year-old female adolescent with history of Cerebral Palsy (due to neonatal anoxia) was admitted in the paediatric ward due to behaviour disorder characterized by incoherent speech, full insomnia, agitation and auto/alo-aggression. A complete clinical investigation was performed, in which trauma, organic brain injury, degenerative and inflammatory diseases, infection or toxic ingestion were all excluded. The hypothesis of an acute psychotic disorder was considered and after antipsychotic treatment, a total remission of the symptoms was obtained.

Conclusions

Although rare, the association between cerebral palsy and psychotic disorders should be considered in the diagnostic investigation of behavioural changes. Early identification allows a proper therapeutic intervention and a better quality of life.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.