[Diogenes' syndrome. A geriatric entity]

To familiarize physicians with this relatively rare syndrome; to review the signs and symptoms, with special emphasis on its nature and the terminology used; and to help physicians choose an appropriate course of action.

MEDLINE (1966 to 1997) and Psychlit (1990 to 1996), references from articles, reference texts on geriatrics and psychiatry.

All of the articles reviewed involved case studies.

Descriptive articles enabled us to define this syndrome more clearly. The dissimilarity of the case studies indicates that the condition is not clearly defined, and the reference to the Greek philosopher Diogenes is misleading.

The various features described to make up a geriatric syndrome characterized by extreme self-neglect, squalid living conditions, and social withdrawal. This complex geriatric problem poses clinical, social and ethical challenges.