Differential Diagnosis Based on Age. Diagnostic Difficulties

Abstract

Introduction

Following a case presented in our inpatient unit as well as various interdepartmental from internal medicine and other emergencies, we decided to conduct a literature review on the different organic causes that can trigger the onset of psychotic symptoms in elderly.

Objectives

A correct differential diagnosis of psychiatric symptoms in elderly.

Aims

Literature review of the literature on the presentation of psychotic symptoms in the elderly.

Methods

Description of a clinical case and development of diagnostic hypotheses.

Results and conclusions

For several decades are experiencing a gradual aging of the population, which means that we are at the onset of clinical symptoms not described by classical authors. Furthermore, scientific advances make infectious causes (such as neurosyphilis was our first diagnostic hypothesis) are increasingly rare. The elderly usually has multiple comorbidities, which are receiving various treatments that must be ruled out possible adverse effects.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.