Cotard’s Syndrome in Adolescence: A Case Report

Abstract

Cotard’s syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by nihilistic and hypochondriacal delusions that generally occur in individuals with some predisposition or in association with a psychiatric or organic disease. Its development is even more unusual in pediatric population.The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the available scientific evidence, based on the description of a clinical case. Data were obtained from clinical records and a careful search and analysis on the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. We illustrate the case of a 15-year-old female adolescent with Cotard’s syndrome in the context of an adjustment disorder. Cotard’s syndrome can be associated with chronicity, self-neglect and suicide, but a prompt diagnosis and treatment can promote a good outcome. This case shows how the use of antipsychotics complemented by psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions can promote a complete remission of the condition.