An Interesting Case of Chronic Isolated Apathetic Syndrome

Abstract

An apathy syndrome is defined as a syndrome of primary motivational loss, that is, loss of motivation not attributable to emotional distress, intellectual impairment, or a diminished level of consciousness. The main anatomical correlate of apathy is the medial frontal lobe. Here we report a case of a 49-year-old male who presented with a history of lack of interest for the past 10 months without any other neurological symptoms. He was diagnosed with depression and was receiving treatment from multiple psychiatrists. In view of his persistent symptoms, he approached us and was evaluated. Examination showed anosmia with apathy that paved the way to the orbitofrontal location of the lesion. Psychiatric symptoms may be an unusual presentation of a space-occupying lesion of brain. Strong suspicion and imaging the brain is indicated in all cases to prevent the unnecessary use of psychiatric medicines and their complications.