ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and chronic psychiatric disorder with significant morbidity characterized by intrusive, uncontrollable and reoccurring thoughts (i.e., obsessions) and/or ritualistic behaviours (i.e., compulsions). Conradi-Hünerman-Happle Syndrome (CHHS) is a rare inherited X-linked dominant variant of chondrodysplasia punctata, a heterogeneous group of rare bone dysplasias characterized by punctate epiphyseal calcifications of complex etiology and pathophysiology that remain to be defined. Available literature reveals a lacuna in regards to the coexistence of the entities with no clinical reports described. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12 year old female patient with diagnosis of CHHS, presents to psychiatric consultation due to aggravation of her OCD clinical picture, with aggravation of hand-washing frequency during the Covid-19 pandemic with significant functional impact. Psychopharmacological treatment aimed at OCD with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and antipsychotic was instituted with favourable, albeit partial response. CONCLUSIONS: The authors aim to describe a clinical case in which the patient presents with Conradi-Hünerman-Happle Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Clinical descriptions of CHHS and OCD are not available in the literature. Through this case description the authors aim to present a rare case as well as discuss an eventual association between etiology and/or pathophysiology of the two disorders.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Chondrodysplasia Punctata , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , Humans , Female , Child , Pandemics , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/complications , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/diagnosis , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/epidemiology , Compulsive Behavior/psychologyABSTRACT
Background: The pandemic caused by the sars-cov2 coronavirus can be considered the biggest international public health crisis. Outbreaks of emerging diseases can trigger fear reactions. Strict adherence to the strategies can cause harmful consequences, particularly for people with pathology on the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Case presentation: We describe the clinical case of a woman, with a history of anxiety disorder, who develops obsessive-compulsive symptoms, she started cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological therapy, with appropriate follow-up. Conclusions: The intense focus on the risk of contamination and the adoption of new hygienic behaviors can be internalized as normative and become an enhancing trigger for obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. It is an important focus on prevention, early intervention and adequate follow-up, through measures to promote mental health.