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Mirtazapine Monotherapy for Antipsychotics-refractory Psychosis in a Patient with Very-late-onset Schizophrenia-like Psychosis: A Case Report

  • 0Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience : the Official Scientific Journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology +

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April 16, 2024

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April 16, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Very-late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP) presents a diagnostic challenge. A case study shows mirtazapine monotherapy may effectively treat antipsychotic-refractory VLOSLP in older adults.

Area Of Science

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background

  • Very-late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOSLP) is defined by psychotic symptoms appearing after age 60.
  • VLOSLP presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its heterogeneous nature.

Observation

  • A 68-year-old patient experienced psychosis refractory to standard antipsychotic treatments.
  • The patient's condition persisted despite trials of multiple antipsychotic medications.

Findings

  • Successful treatment of antipsychotic-refractory VLOSLP was achieved with mirtazapine monotherapy.
  • This intervention led to the resolution of psychotic symptoms in the patient.

Implications

  • Mirtazapine monotherapy represents a potential therapeutic option for refractory VLOSLP.
  • Further research is warranted to explore mirtazapine's efficacy in a broader VLOSLP patient cohort.

Keywords:

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