Foreign accent-like syndrome during psychotic exacerbations

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Linguistics

Background:

• Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is typically associated with neurological damage like stroke or trauma.
• FAS has not been previously documented in patients with psychosis as the primary condition.
• Existing FAS cases often involve aphasia or dysarthria.

Observation:

• A patient with schizophrenia experienced a foreign accent-like syndrome during psychotic exacerbations.
• The patient developed a distinct British accent during these episodes.
• The accent disappeared as the psychosis resolved.

Findings:

• Neurologic examination and MRI revealed no structural brain lesions.
• Language and articulation assessments showed no abnormalities.
• The accent's transient nature correlated with psychotic state fluctuations.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between psychosis and foreign accent-like syndrome.
• It highlights the need to consider psychiatric conditions in FAS differential diagnosis.
• Further research is warranted to explore the neurobiological underpinnings of this association.