[Chronic suicidality in depression due to untreated adrenogenital syndrome].

Abstract

A 38-year-old female suffered from adrenogenital syndrome with 21-hydroxylase deficiency requiring a corticosteroid substitution. The virilized patient claims to have discontinued treatment with corticosteroids since the age of 15. In the 12 months prior to admission, the patient experienced addisonian crises and repeated decompensation with depressive-suicidal symptoms. Due to the second suicide attempt within a short period, the patient underwent psychiatric treatment presenting an organic depressive syndrome. Under sufficient medication including corticosteroids, antidepressants, and mood stabilizing therapy, the psychopathologic findings improved impressively. Noncompliance after discharge led to a relapse and another suicide attempt, which remitted promptly after adequate therapy.

• Authors: S Christ, T Froböse, T Sonnfeld, D Schwerthöffer, J Bäuml
• Journal: Der Nervenarzt (Nervenarzt) Vol. 79 Issue 9 Pg. 1068-70 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 0028-2804 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Chronische Suizidalität bei organisch bedingter Depression infolge eines adrenogenitalen Syndroms.
• PMID: 18679641 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Adrenogenital Syndrome (complications, drug therapy, psychology)
• Adult
• Chronic Disease
• Depression (etiology, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Medication Adherence
• Suicide (psychology)
• Suicide Prevention