E Weintraub1, C Robinson. 1. University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. EWeintra@UMPSY.UMaryland.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the availability of safer alternatives to currently standard therapy for monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP). METHOD: We report a case of treatment of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis in an elderly woman with the atypical neuroleptic olanzapine. RESULTS: Treatment with rather low doses of olanzapine led to complete resolution of delusional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine, like other atypical neuroleptic agents, shows promise as a treatment for this syndrome, and it offers considerable safety and side-effect advantages over older agents.
OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the availability of safer alternatives to currently standard therapy for monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP). METHOD: We report a case of treatment of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis in an elderly woman with the atypical neuroleptic olanzapine. RESULTS: Treatment with rather low doses of olanzapine led to complete resolution of delusional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:Olanzapine, like other atypical neuroleptic agents, shows promise as a treatment for this syndrome, and it offers considerable safety and side-effect advantages over older agents.