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Psychiatric consultations in stiff-man syndrome
J A Tinsley1, E M Barth, J L Black
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Stiff-man syndrome, a neurological disorder involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) malfunction, commonly presents with psychiatric symptoms like anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. Psychiatrists play a key role in managing these manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Stiff-man syndrome is a rare central nervous system disorder.
- Its pathophysiology involves gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system malfunction, likely autoimmune.
- Previous studies on psychiatric aspects were limited.
Observation:
- A review of 24 Stiff-man syndrome patients was conducted.
- Twelve patients received psychiatric consultations.
- Medical records were analyzed to identify psychiatric manifestations.
Findings:
- The most frequent psychiatric symptoms observed were anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.
- These findings highlight the significant psychiatric burden of Stiff-man syndrome.
Implications:
- The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system may underlie both neurologic and psychiatric symptoms.
- Psychiatrists are crucial in managing anxiety, depression, and substance misuse in Stiff-man syndrome patients.