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Monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis: belief of contracting rabies
D A Fishbain1, S Barsky, M Goldberg
1South Shore Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Abstract:
The authors describe a forty-one-year-old female with possible monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP): a delusional belief that she had contracted rabies. This is the first report of this type of delusion in MHP. The patient failed to respond to multiple somatic therapies and finally made a serious suicide attempt. The authors discuss the reasons for the failed treatment and suggest a sequential protocol for treatment of MHP based on the current literature.
Insights
This study details a rare case of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP) involving a rabies delusion. The patient
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Delusional Disorders
Background:
- Monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP) is characterized by a single, non-bizarre delusion.
- Common themes in MHP include somatic delusions, but rabies is an atypical presentation.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old female presented with a persistent, delusional belief of having contracted rabies.
- This represents the first reported case of a rabies delusion within the context of MHP.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited resistance to multiple somatic therapies.
- The treatment failure culminated in a severe suicide attempt.
- Analysis suggests specific reasons for the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for tailored treatment strategies for MHP.
- Proposes a sequential treatment protocol for MHP based on existing literature.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering atypical delusions in MHP diagnosis and management.