ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the changes in the insular cortex in alcohol dependent subjects, and to compare the same with controls, the associated clinical findings. The study group consisted of 30 subjects with alcohol dependence syndrome [ADS] selected randomly from the out patient services of the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital. The control group consisted of 30 matched subjects selected randomly from the out patient department and from patients screened for uncomplicated headache. Both groups were examined by a computerized scan [CT], and Mini Mental Status Examination [MMSE]. Chi square, and T test were done after calculating the Evan's ratio. The two groups were compared to assess the cortical atrophy and ventricular enlargement. Cognitive functions were tested by MMSE, and the scores were compared. Atrophy was significantly higher in the experimental group; however, it was not significant. Cognitive functioning was found to be significantly impaired in the experimental group. The study showed that alcohol dependence leads to cortical atrophy which is age independent. The statistically significant disturbance in the MMSE scores along with the frontal and parietal cortical atrophy is also indicative of the insular cortex involvement in the experimentai group. Alcohol dependence leads to cerebral atrophy along with the involvement of the insular cortex
ABSTRACT
Objective: This case report highlights Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder involving the liver and brain presenting clinically with psychiatric symptoms as the first manifestation. Method: We present two cases of Wilson’s disease who had the typical symptoms of Schizophrenia and Bipolar mood disorder (mania) respectively. Results: Wilson disease first presentation of psychiatric diagnosis may obscure the diagnosis who later on turned out to be suffering from Wilson’s disease. Conclusion: Although such patients are more commonly seen in neurological and hepatological settings, mental health professionals must keep in mind a high level of suspicion, once first presentations may be of psychiatric nature.