Cotard’s Syndrome: Two Cases of Self-Starvation

• Main Authors: Bruno Gonçalves Teixeira, Ana Filipa Araújo, João Ferreira Perestrelo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca 2015-06-01
• Series: PsiLogos
• Subjects: Cotard Syndrome; Depression; Nihilistic Delusion.
• Online Access: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/psilogos/article/view/6296

Background: Cotard´s syndrome is a relatively rare condition characterized by various degrees of nihilist delusions, often in the form of self-negation. Aims: To report two cases of Cotard’s syndrome associated with self-starvation and to review the concept and clinical features of the condition. Methods: Two clinical cases of the syndrome were obtained and a literature review of the theme was shortly surveyed. Results and Conclusions: The first case is about a woman who believed that her esophagus and stomach were glued. She was treated with sertraline, mirtazapine and risperidone with good results. The second case describes a man who believed his throat was burnt and he had no internal organs. He was treated with clomipramine and risperidone showing great improvement. This syndrome is a nosological and clinical entity that should not be forgotten. It is essential to provide an urgent and adequate therapeutic approach to these patients.