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Encephalopathy caused by disulfiram

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2021

R. Sant’Angelo  and
I. Piretti
R. Sant’Angelo
Affiliation:
Mental Health Department, AUSL ROMAGNA, Cesena, Italy
I. Piretti*
Affiliation:
Psychologist, Hr Specialist, Independent Researcher, Cesena, Italy
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Disulfiram is an alcohol detox drug that has been approved by the FDA for over 50 years. Among the various side effects that can cause there is encephalopathy. Its incidence is currently unknown, according to some authors it is estimated between 1 and 20%.

Objectives

In this article we report the case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and alcohol use disorder, presenting with encephalopathy.

Methods

We discuss about our diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Results

Fortunately, the rapid identification of this rare condition led to a favorable outcome in our patient.

Conclusions

Early detection of any acute change in mental state, especially in early stage of therapy, is important. Cessation of disulfiram is recommended in case of suspicion about disulfiram encephalopathy. This case underscores the importance of awareness of this serious complication during disulfiram treatment. If suspected early, appropriate diagnosis and treatment can prevent rapid progression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Keywords

Encephalopathydisulfiram
Type
Abstract
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 64 , Special Issue S1: Abstracts of the 29th European Congress of Psychiatry , April 2021 , pp. S707
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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