Primary Versus Secondary Psychosis in a Patient With Congenital Liver Disease

Authors

Sormeh Nourbakhsh, Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Stephen J. Ferrando, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, New York, USA Stephen.Ferrando@WMCHealth.org.

Author Type(s)

Resident/Fellow, Faculty

DOI

10.1136/bcr-2024-259623

Journal Title

BMJ Case Reports

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2-2024

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

In this article we report the case of a man with congenital liver disease who later developed psychotic illness and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. We illustrate how decompensation in liver function was associated with the exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. We discuss differential diagnostic challenges, and the possible overlapping neuropathology in these two conditions that may converge on glutamate/N-methyl-D-aspartate dysfunction. This patient's case underscores the need for further research to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms linking congenital liver disease and psychosis.

Recommended Citation

Nourbakhsh, S., & Ferrando, S. J. (2024). Primary Versus Secondary Psychosis in a Patient With Congenital Liver Disease. BMJ Case Reports, 17 (7). https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2024-259623