Participating in Longitudinal Observational Research on Psychiatric Rehabilitation: Quantitative Results From a Patient Perspective Study

First-episode olfactory hallucination in a patient with anxiety disorder: A case report

BACKGROUND

Olfactory hallucination refers to olfactory perception in the absence of chemical stimuli. Although it has been associated with many neurological and psychotic disorders, it has rarely been reported as the first and only symptom in patients with anxiety disorder, and its treatment remains inadequate.

CASE SUMMARY

A 66-year-old woman who had been experiencing gradually worsening olfactory hallucinations for almost 4 years was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Olfactory hallucination disappeared after treatment with anti-anxiety drugs.

CONCLUSION

Olfactory hallucination can be the first and only symptom in patients with anxiety disorder and may be effectively treated with anti-anxiety medication. In fact, it can precede the diagnosis of anxiety disorder by several years.

Acne caused by ziprasidone in a young patient with bipolar disorder: A case report

BACKGROUND

Ziprasidone is a second-generation antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acne is a common inflammatory disease of sebaceous glands in adolescents that is often co-morbid with anxiety and depression, which may reduce treatment compliance. Through unknown mechanisms, ziprasidone may cause a range of inflammatory responses. Whether ziprasidone can cause acne in young patients with bipolar disorder has not been reported.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a 23-year-old woman with a 5-year history of bipolar disorder who experienced acne during use of ziprasidone. She was admitted to our hospital during 1-month aggravation of her symptoms and was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder (current or most recent episode of depression) with psychotic features. She was given ziprasidone and soon developed acne, which she never had before; the rash worsened substantially when the ziprasidone dose was increased. At the same time, levels of inflammatory factors increased. The rash resolved after ziprasidone therapy was stopped.

CONCLUSION

When prescribing ziprasidone to young people with bipolar disorder, clinicians should consider the potential for adverse skin reactions. It may be useful to assay levels of inflammatory markers during ziprasidone therapy and adjust the dose if necessary in order to ensure treatment compliance.