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Herbal mania: a diagnostic dilemma?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Brendan D Kelly ,
Frank Rawlinson  and
Ben Ogburn
Brendan D Kelly
Affiliation:
Stanley Research Centre, St John of Gods Hospital, Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland
Ben Ogburn
Affiliation:
Hawke's Bay Memorial Hospital, Omahu, Road, Hastings, New Zealand
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Abstract

A case of affective psychosis and cognitive impairment is described. The patient had a history of cerebrovascular disease and had been ingesting large quantities of a complex herbal tonic prior to presentation. Diagnostic issues are discussed. Relevant literature on cerebrovascular disease and herbal remedies is reviewed. We propose a stress-diathesis model to account for this patient's illness and we advise caution in the use of complementary therapies in patients with compromised cerebrovascular status. Appropriate practice guidelines are outlined.

Keywords

PsychosisCerebrovascular diseaseStrokeHerbal remediesTreatment
Type
Case Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 18 , Issue 3 , September 2001 , pp. 108 - 109
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001

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