Dependence Syndrome in a Male Nigerian Adult with Sickle Cell Anaemia : A Case Report

Abstract

To present a case of a male adult with sickle cell anaemia and dependence (opioid) syndrome. Mr. A.E. was a 30year old unmarried, unemployed male with sickle cell anaemia from a polygamous family. He had limited education. He became dependent on intramuscular pentazocine because he felt unfulfilled and underachieved. His drug dependence became complicated by abscess formation in his right thigh, laterally. He had neglect of self , hygience ,and groom and, his behaviour became embarrassing. He lost the attention of significant others, and finally developed a depressive disorder.. The life-threatening nature of sickle cell anaemia, its unpleasant features, and its adverse social consequences (e.g. stigmatization) could lead a vulnerable patient to seeking refuge in mood-altering/euphoric substances. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach to the management of sickle cell anaemia with emphasizes on psychosocial interventions in the adult, is suggested.