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Published on: November 29, 2024
Pathological gambling and primary antiphospholipid (Hughes) syndrome: a unique neuropsychiatric association
1Department of Rheumatology, Naval Hospital Marcílio Dias, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Insights
This study highlights a rare association between antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and pathological gambling, an impulse control disorder. It presents a case study and reviews diagnosis and treatment for this unique APS subtype.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric conditions are frequently observed in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
- Commonly reported neuropsychiatric manifestations include memory deficits, cognitive impairment, mood disorders (depression, anxiety), mania, and psychosis.
- These symptoms can precede the diagnosis of primary APS.
Observation:
- This study presents the first reported cases of primary or secondary APS associated with habit or impulse control disorders.
- A specific case of a 53-year-old male with a 20-year history of pathological gambling and APS is detailed.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a significant link between antiphospholipid syndrome and pathological gambling, a type of impulse control disorder.
- The study reviews the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for patients presenting with this specific subtype of impulse disorder in the context of APS.
Implications:
- This research expands the understanding of the diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations of APS.
- It underscores the importance of considering impulse control disorders in the differential diagnosis of APS patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimal management of APS-associated impulse control disorders.
Abstract:
Neuropsychiatric conditions are common in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with or without vascular thrombosis of the central nervous system. There are frequent descriptions of memory alterations, cognition and mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and even conditions of mania and psychosis preceding the diagnosis of primary APS. However, this study is the first to present primary or secondary APS associated with habit or impulse control disorders. The authors describe the case of a 53-year-old male patient who had been a pathological gambler since adulthood and who has had APS for more than 20 years. We describe the case and review its characteristics, criteria for diagnosis and treatment offered for patients with this specific subtype of impulse disorder.
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