Case Report
Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Published: May 14, 2024 | Pages: 104 - 108 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.173-1685458484
Unusual presentation of acute psychosis in a Child
Authors: Olubunmi Omolade Busari , Moin Naeem , Sandhya Govindarajan , Imran Zamir
Article Info
Authors
Olubunmi Omolade Busari
Department of Pediatrics, Bradford University teaching Hospital, Bradford, United Kingdom
Moin Naeem
North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays road, Manchester, United Kingdom
Sandhya Govindarajan
North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays road, Manchester, United Kingdom
Imran Zamir
Department of Paediatrics, North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Publication History
Received: June 08, 2023
Revised: November 29, 2023
Accepted: February 10, 2024
Published: May 14, 2024
Abstract
Background: Psychosis is often solely described as a psychiatric presentation; however, it is vital that organic causes are eliminated, especially in children. Case presentation: We report the case of a 14yr old girl who presented two months history of self-neglect, poor school performance and a week history of mutism. At initial presentation, her neurological examination was normal except for expressive aphasia, and occasional inappropriate laughing. First line investigations showed low vitamin B12 and folate and normal MRI. She was planned for follow up with psychiatrists. She presented about a week later with worsening symptoms. She had further investigations which revealed high homocysteine, in keeping with homocysteine remethylation disorder. She started betaine therapy after which she had a significant improvement in her symptoms. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations of children with acute psychosis before making an assumption of a psychiatric cause, as reversible causes have better outcomes.
Keywords: Keywords: Delusion, Hallucinations, Psychosis, Case report, green