Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-hc48f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T17:57:20.441Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Ganser syndrome – 100 years on

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Kelwyn Williams*
Affiliation:
Wotton Lawn Hospital, Horton Road, Gloucester GL1 3WL, England

Abstract

A patient presenting with psychogenic paralysis then Ganser syndrome is described. Formulation is made in terms of unresolved grief manifesting as shifting dissociative symptoms. Treatment and the patient's resistance to it are discussed. The nosological status of Ganser syndrome 100 years on is reviewed and the role hysteria as a causative mechanism endorsed.

Type
Case Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Ganser, SJ. Uber einen eigenartigen hysterischen Dammerzustand. Archiv fur Psychiatric und Nervenkrankheit 1898; 30: 633–40.Google Scholar
2.Trethowan, WH. Uncommon psychiatric disorders. Br J Hosp Med 1979; 22: 490–5.Google Scholar
3.Whitlock, FA. The Ganser Syndrome. Br J Psychiat 1967; 113: 1929.Google Scholar
4.Hampel, H, Berger, C, Muller, N. A case of Ganser's state presenting as a dementia syndrome. Psychopathology 1996; 29(4): 236–41.Google Scholar
5.Mattioli, I, Zontini, G, Mattioli, G. Psychotic disorders NAS similar to Ganser syndrome, with refusal of food and a condition of deterioration in prisoners. Neurologia Psichiatria Scienze Umane 1996; 16(6): 843–54.Google Scholar
6.Miller, P, Bramble, D, Buxton, N. Case study: Ganser syndrome in children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolescent Psychiat 1997; 36(1): 112–5.Google Scholar
7.Apter, A, Ratzoni, G, Ianuci, I, Weizman, R, Tyano, S. The Ganser syndrome in two adolescent brothers. J Am Acad Child Adolescent Psychiat 1993; 32(3): 582–4.Google Scholar
8.Weller, MP. Hysterical behaviour in patriarchal communities. Four cases one with Ganser-like symptoms. Br J Psychiat 1988;152:687–95.Google Scholar
9.Sigal, M, Altmark, D, Alfici, S, Gelkopf, M. Ganser syndrome: a review of 15 cases. Comprehensive Psychiat 1992; 33(2): 134–8.Google Scholar
10.Grieger, TA, Clayton, AH. A possible association of Ganser syndrome and major depression. J Clin Psychiat 1990; 51(10): 437.Google ScholarPubMed
11.Haddad, PM. Ganser Syndrome followed by major depressive episode. Br J Psychiat 1993; 162: 251–3.Google Scholar
12.Arya, DK. Resolution of an episode of major depressive disorder with emergence of Ganser syndrome symptoms. Ir J Psych Med 1997; 14(1): 35–7.Google Scholar