Neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism in Patient with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by either obsessions (recurrent unwanted thoughts, images or impulses) or compulsions (repetitive behaviors often performed to relieve anxiety or distress). In some cases, it is considered antipsychotic enhancement. However, in high doses, it can exacerbate OCD symptoms and cause extrapyramidal effects such as neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism.

Here, the authors present a clinic case of a single male patient with 50 years old, in which with the age of 42, started with a obsessive-compulsive framework about the developed task at the work place (production of fabric) followed by several verifications of the assembled pieces, which interfered with his work performance. This patient was admitted to the psychiatric hospital due to the deterioration of the symptoms with obsessive ideas of HIV contamination resulting in rigid cleaning rituals. He was medicated with several OCD medications including Clozapine 50 mg.

In the following years and complaining of insomnia, the clozapine dose was increased by the patient reaching the dose of 200 mg. In 2016 he started secondary Parkinsonism framework to antipsychotics, characterized by akinesia, facial hypomimia, stiff, coarse tremor and stooped posture. Therapeutic setting was made with a reduction of clozapine at doses of 50 mg occurring fading of extrapyramidal symptoms and decrease the symptoms of OCD.

The authors intend with this presented case to highlight the importance of surveillance of patients receiving antipsychotics for OCD to avoid worsening of symptoms and the development of extrapyramidal effects, which deeply contribute to the decrease of quality life of these patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.