Review on Diogenes Syndrome

 

Sarswathi KN*

Assistant Professor, JSS College of Nursing, Mysuru.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: saraswathimysores803@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Diogenes syndrome is a behavioral-health condition characterized by poor personal hygiene, hoarding, and unkempt living conditions. It is most common in older men and women, which is why it is also called senile squalor syndrome. Persons with Diogenes syndrome demonstrate little concern for self-care or a clean living environment and seem frankly undisturbed about their condition or how others respond to it. It is thought that, in some cases, Diogenes is a response to late-in-life trauma, such as the loss of a long time spouse or caregiver. Treatment is often difficult because the individual resents intrusions on the way he or she is living, leading to resistance and a lack of cooperation.

 

KEYWORDS: Diogene syndrome, Behavioural health, Self- care, Treatment and resistance.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Diogenes syndrome is a behavioural disorder that affects older adults. It occurs in both men and women. It is also called senile squalor syndrome. The main symptoms are excessive hoarding, dirty homes, and poor personal hygiene. People with Diogenes syndrome also withdraw from life and society.1

 

MEANING:

Diogenes syndrome is a behavioural-health condition characterized by poor personal hygiene, hoarding, and unkempt living conditions.

Diogenes syndrome is often linked to mental illnesses that include:

·       Schizophrenia

·       Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

·       Depression

·       Dementia

·       Addiction, especially to alcohol

 

This condition can be difficult to treat. It can also be hard to care for people who have it.2

 

Symptoms:

Diogenes syndrome is sometimes diagnosed in people who are middle aged. But it usually occurs in people over 60 years of age. Symptoms usually appear over time.

 

Early symptoms often include withdrawing from social situations and an avoidance of others. People may also start to display poor judgment, changes in personality, and inappropriate behaviours.

 

You can have this condition for a long time before it’s diagnosed. That’s partly due to the intense isolation that’s a symptom of Diogenes syndrome.3

 

Warning Symptoms in an Undiagnosed Person May Include:

·       Skin rashes caused by poor hygiene, fleas, or lice

·       Matted, unkempt hair

·       Overgrown toenails and fingernails

·       Body odour

·       Unkempt appearance

·       Unexplained injuries

·       Malnutrition

·       Dehydration3

 

A Person Diagnosed with Diogenes Syndrome Typically Exhibits Some, Or all, of these Symptoms:

·       Extreme self-neglect

·       Filthy surroundings

·       Excessive hoarding

·       Denial about their situation

·       No embarrassment or shame about their surroundings or lack of cleanliness

·       Refusal of support or help.4

 

Risk Factors:

Having one or more risk factors for this condition doesn’t mean it will occur. Often, a specific incident becomes a trigger for the onset of symptoms. This can be something like the death of a spouse or other close relative, retirement, or divorce.

 

Medical conditions may also trigger symptom onset. These can include:

·       Stroke

·       Loss of mobility due to arthritis or broken bones

·       Congestive heart failure

·       Dementia

·       Vision problems

·       Increasing frailty

·       Depression4

 

Other risk factors include:

·       Loss of a trusted companion or caregiver

·       History of mental illness

·       History of substance abuse

·       History of abuse

·       Character traits, such as being introverted

·       Personality traits, such as suspiciousness, unfriendliness, or an overall detachment from others.4

 

Diagnosis:

They are often diagnosed after a family member reaches out for help on the person’s behalf. A diagnosis may also come as a result of complaints from neighbours. Diogenes syndrome isn’t classified as a disease. Many other diagnoses also include these symptoms. These may include:

·       Compulsive hoarding

·       Schizophrenia

·       Dementia

 

To make a diagnosis, a doctor will look for clues in the person’s behavioural and social history. A social worker may be able to help with this. This is especially true if the individual has a history of complaints against them from neighbours or others. A physical exam and brain imaging tests, like an MRI or PET scan, will help a doctor identify any underlying cause that may be treatable.5

 

TREATMENT:

Behavioural therapies like those used for compulsive hoarding, may help. Support groups or other types of support networking can also help if the person is willing to take part in them.

 

Treatments may include medications used to treat anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, or psychosis. 5

 

REFERENCES:

1.      Marcos M., Gomez-Pellin MDC. Atale of a misnamed eponym. Diogenes syndrome. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008;23:990–991.

2.      Cybulska E. Senile squalor: Plyushkin's not Diogenes' syndrome. Psychiatr Bull R Coll Psychiatr. 1998;22:319–320.

3.      Clark AN., Mankikar GO., Gray I. Diogenes syndrome: a clinical study of gross neglect in old age. Lancet. 1975;1:366–368.

4.      Macmillan D., Shaw P. Senile breakdown in standards of personal and environmental cleanliness. BMJ. 1966;2:1032–1037.

5.      Ngeh JK. Diogenes syndrome presenting with a stroke in an elderly, bereaved woman. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2000;15:468–472.

 

 

 

Received on 12.02.2022         Modified on 09.03.2022

Accepted on 28.03.2022       ©A&V Publications All right reserved

Int.  J. of Advances in Nur. Management. 2022; 10(2):151-152.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2652.2022.00039