A Case of Psychosis in Disulfiram Treatment for Alcoholism
Joint Authors
Lopes, Rui
Melo, Raquel Calvão de
Alves, José Carlos
Source
Issue
Vol. 2014, Issue 2014 (31 Dec. 2014), pp.1-4, 4 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2014-04-10
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
4
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Disulfiram, a drug used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, is an inhibitor of dopamine-β-hydroxylase causing an increase in the concentration of dopamine in the mesolimbic system.
In addition to the physical symptoms associated with concomitant use of alcohol, disulfiram may lead to adverse events, when used alone, including psychosis.
Aims.
To report a case of a rare complication when using disulfiram for alcoholism treatment in a patient in alcoholic abstinence.
Case Report.
We describe the case of a 42-year-old male patient, who developed psychotic symptoms 3 weeks after initiating treatment with disulfiram for alcohol dependency.
The patient had a history of chronic alcoholism for 12 years and was under disulfiram treatment (250 mg/day) for 1 month, with no other past history of psychiatric illness.
The symptoms worsened after he initiated alcohol consumption, while taking disulfiram.
The patient was hospitalized and disulfiram was suspended.
After 4 days he was asymptomatic and at 6-week follow-up remained asymptomatic.
Conclusion.
Treatment with disulfiram can lead to the appearance of psychosis in patients with increased vulnerability.
In clinical practice, psychosis in the context of alcoholism with disulfiram therapy is often neglected and should be taken into account.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Melo, Raquel Calvão de& Lopes, Rui& Alves, José Carlos. 2014. A Case of Psychosis in Disulfiram Treatment for Alcoholism. Case Reports in Psychiatry،Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-480841
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Melo, Raquel Calvão de…[et al.]. A Case of Psychosis in Disulfiram Treatment for Alcoholism. Case Reports in Psychiatry No. 2014 (2014), pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-480841
American Medical Association (AMA)
Melo, Raquel Calvão de& Lopes, Rui& Alves, José Carlos. A Case of Psychosis in Disulfiram Treatment for Alcoholism. Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2014. Vol. 2014, no. 2014, pp.1-4.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-480841
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-480841