Psychiatric manifestations in porphyria: A case report of psychosis

Abstract

IntroductionPorphyrias are rare inherited disorders due to specific enzyme abnormalities of heme biosynthesis. Among the hepatic forms, three of them are clinically characterized by acute abdominal pain and neuropathy, sometimes associated with psychiatric disorders like mood changes, organic brain syndrome and psychosis.Case reportHere, we present a 38-year-old male patient with intermittent porphyria and chronic psychosis who was hospitalized. He had been treated by benzodiacepines and neuroleptic medication for several years. Exposure to certain drugs, dieting, starvation and infection may precipitate AIP attacks.DiscussionUnderlying organic causes of psychiatric disorders such as psychosis should be considered among patients with atypical symptoms and/or resistance to standard therapy.ConclusionIt is important to increase awareness amongst psychiatric and neurological professionals with regard to certain inborn errors of metabolism. Early detection of porphyria may diminish morbidity and mortality rates, and perhaps heal some chronic atypical psychiatric illnesses.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.