Unlocking the Enigma of Cotard’s Syndrome: A Narrative Review of its Clinical Manifestations and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

This narrative review explores Cotard’s Syndrome (CS), a rare psychiatric condition characterised by delusions of death or nonexistence, originally described by Jules Cotard in 1880. The syndrome presents a complex clinical picture, encompassing grandiosity, damnation, and physical breakdown. Despite its historical origins, CS remains poorly understood and often misdiagnosed. This review elucidates the clinical complexity, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies associated with CS. It highlights the neurological aspects, such as delusional misidentification and negation, shedding light on underlying mechanisms. Treatment approaches, including pharmacotherapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and psychotherapy, are discussed, emphasising the importance of ongoing mental health support across the illness’s stages. The review draws from a comprehensive search methodology, encompassing diverse scholarly sources, to provide a nuanced understanding of CS. By increasing awareness among clinicians and researchers, this review aimed to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for individuals affected by this enigmatic syndrome.