An unusual suicide attempt: a case with psychosis during an acute porphyric attack

Abstract

The porphyrias are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal heme biosynthesis. Although all subtypes are rare, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is the most common form of the neuroporphyrias. Abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy, and changes in cognitive function are the classical triad of an acute porphyric attack but the variability of the symptoms may interfere with the diagnosis of AIP. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of acute porphyric attacks, however, can be fatal or may cause long-term or permanent neurological damage. We hereby report a case of 45-year-old male with suicide attempt because of his psychotic symptoms during an AIP attack.

Trastornos psiquiátricos secundarios a enfermedades neurometabólicas

“…Algunos autores reportan que la presentación delirante puede darse hasta en el 40% de estos pacientes 42 . Por otro lado, pacientes ya diagnosticados pueden tener episodios psiquiátricos graves como intentos de suicidio durante una crisis aguda 45 . Algunos psicotrópicos pueden exacerbar las crisis 46 .…”

Can psychiatric childhood disorders be due to inborn errors of metabolism?

“…A clinical presentation of metachromatic leukodystrophy during adolescence and/or adulthood may be psychosis [ 56 ]. If a post pubertal patient presents with acute mental changes and hallucinations or psychosis, acute porphyria should be considered [ 57 ]. In addition, a link between a disturbed homocysteine metabolism and schizophrenia is described [ 58 ].…”

La porfiria: no solo la histeria es una gran simuladora

“…Dentro de ellas, la PAI es la variedad más frecuente, y tiene su defecto enzimático en la porfobilinógeno desaminasa 9,10 .…”