Sjogren's syndrome in a patient previously diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a common autoimmune disorder that is characterized by chronic inflammation of lachrymal and salivary glands. The well-known clinical manifestations of SS are dry eyes and dry mouth. However, the disease may first present itself with psychiatric symptoms, such as depressed mood, agitation or irritability.

Objectives

Our objective is to highlight the importance of systemic examination, including detailed biochemical workup in psychiatric patients with somatic complaints like fatigue and those patients with partial response to treatment.

Methods

We present a 35-years-old woman who had depressed mood, obsessions and compulsions, chronic fatigue, generalized muscle and joint pain, balance problems, weight loss, dry mouth and dry eyes for the past few years. Her symptoms would worsen during spring. She was diagnosed with seasonal affective depressive disorder and chronic fatigue and was started on mirtazapine 30 mg/day and venlafaxine 75 mg/day. She was partially responsive to this treatment. The detailed biochemical workup came 1/320 positive for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). The oral biopsy showed Sjogren's disease. Gluten sensitivity was found as well.

Results

The patient was started on hydroxychloroquine sulfate 400 mg/day in addition to her anti-depressant medication. She was put on a gluten-free diet. She was in full remission in a month and had no depressive attack in spring. Her ANA decreased to 1/80.

Conclusion

Psychiatric syndromes may arise from different pathologies of the central nervous system. In patients with recurrent psychiatric syndromes or patients who are partially responsive to conventional treatment approaches further systemic evaluation of the patient is needed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.