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Psychogenic periodic fever.
R J Timmerman1, J Thompson, H M Noordzij
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Leiden, Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|October 1, 1992
Summary
A 13-year struggle with episodic fever of unknown origin in a 35-year-old male was resolved. Diagnosis was finally achieved through identifying a psychogenic cause, leading to successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Fever of unknown origin (FUO) presents a diagnostic challenge, often requiring extensive investigation.
- Persistent FUO can significantly impact a patient's quality of life over many years.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old Caucasian male experienced 13 years of recurrent fevers without an identifiable organic cause.
- Comprehensive medical workups failed to pinpoint the etiology of the prolonged febrile episodes.
Findings:
- A psychogenic origin was suspected after exhaustive exclusion of other potential causes.
- Treatment involving a psychotropic medication and relaxation therapy resulted in the complete cessation of fevers.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering psychogenic factors in refractory cases of fever of unknown origin.
- Psychosomatic interventions can be effective in managing complex, long-standing conditions previously unresponsive to conventional treatments.