Exposure to extraordinary stressors or life-threatening events has been shown to result in negative cognitive, behavioural and emotional outcomes including the cluster of symptoms constituting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder has most often been studied in military veterans and victims of abuse who also show high rates of comorbid conditions. We report a case of PTSD following an electrical injury in a patient with no past psychiatric history. Implications for a full range of examinations including comprehensive neuropsychiatric testing are discussed. Results suggest that such approach addresses the complexity of a differential diagnosis between organic and psychiatric dysfunctions.
Matched MeSH terms: Electric Injuries/complications*
Bipolar mood disorder is an established psychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the population and it is a highly disabling disease. As of today, its aetiology is still a confounding question. This case is interesting as the patient presented with a full-blown mania after suffering from electrical injury. The persistent syndrome in this case could point to a unique diagnostic entity and offer possible explanation of the pathophysiology of manic depressive as well as a consideration for caution when prescribing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Matched MeSH terms: Electric Injuries/complications*
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is still a diagnosis which is frequently missed even by psychiatric professionals. Each doctor needs to maintain a high level of awareness that patients may have experienced trauma; that PTSD can often occur for a variety of common symptoms; and that it may also be at the root of a persisting treatment-resistant depressive or anxiety state. This case demonstrates that occupational accidents may result in this condition.
Matched MeSH terms: Electric Injuries/complications