W przypadku testamentu sporządzonego przez osobę chorą na nowotwór niekiedy strona procesowa starając się go podważyć jako argument podnosi sam fakt istnienia diagnozy choroby nowotworowej u testatora (bez względu na jej rodzaj, nasilenie objawów, fazę rozwoju i dynamikę). W ocenie beneficjentów pominiętych w testamencie miałoby to pozbawiać spadkodawcę zdolności do świadomego lub swobodnego powzięcia decyzji i wyrażenia woli. Merytoryczna analiza materiału sądowego wymaga, aby biegli nie tylko postępowali zgodnie z ogólnymi zasadami sporządzania opinii psychiatrycznych i psychologicznych w sprawach testamentowych, ale również wzięli pod uwagę pewne specyficzne dla nowotworu stany psychopatologiczne oraz inne czynniki. Celem tego przeglądu literatury jest przedstawienie tych szczególnych okoliczności w kontekście możliwości ich wykorzystania przez biegłych podczas sporządzania ekspertyzy dotyczące oceny ważności oświadczenia woli. W ocenie stanu psychicznego spadkodawcy powinny być uwzględnione przez biegłych nie tylko reaktywne zaburzenia psychiczne, deficyty poznawcze, czy zaburzenia świadomości, ale także stany charakterystyczne dla procesu nowotworowego: CRCD (canser related cognitive dysfunction), CRF (cancer-related fatigue), CACS (cachexia-anorexia cancer related syndrome). Biegli w swoich ocenach nie mogą pomijać także innych specyficznych dla tej choroby czynników: jej fazowości, stopnia przystosowania spadkodawcy do choroby, uwarunkowań rodzinnych, które mogą mieć wpływ na decyzje majątkowe testatora.
Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), rooted in Janet’s psychasthenia, Freud’s “anal character,” and Schneider’s notion of anankastia, is among the most common yet least frequently diagnosed personality disorders. Contemporary classifications emphasize its dimensional nature. The central features are perfectionism, rigidity, and excessive need for control. Prevalence in the general population is estimated at 6.5%. In clinical populations, rates are higher: 16% among outpatients and up to 30% in inpatients. OCPD most often co-occurs with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) (17‒45%), depression (31‒76%), bipolar disorder (32.4%), anxiety disorders (17‒30%), substance use (25–29%), eating disorders (20‒61%), and autism spectrum disorder (19‒43%). Comorbidity with OCD is associated with earlier onset, delayed diagnosis, and poorer insight. It is also linked to greater chronicity, elevated suicide risk, and bipolarity. Etiology is multifactorial, including genetic (27‒78%), neurobiological, and environmental factors. Reduced quality of life is emphasized, linking the severity of OCPD traits with psychosocial burden. Diagnosis should include psychological testing and collateral information, supported by clinical observation. Psychoeducation and psychotherapy constitute a central component of treatment. The strongest evidence supports cognitive–behavioral therapy targeting perfectionism and rigidity. Psychodynamic methods, schema therapy, and third-wave approaches may also be useful, while pharmacotherapy has a limited role.
Objectives To assess the opinions of graduates of courses preparing them for the role of recovery assistant regarding the training they completed. Additionally, to gather information on any need for further education among these graduates. Furthermore, to obtain data on whether graduates secured employment as recovery assistants (RAs) Methods A survey method was used, with a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 48 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Results Between 79.2% and 97.9% of participants (depending on the module) rated the course content as useful or very useful. 97.9% of respondents see a need for further training. 63.8% of the graduates took up work as a recovery assistant after the course, of whom 40% are employed full-time. 83.9% of respondents find working with patients satisfying. 87.1% perceive a high sense of purpose in working with patients. 73.3% stated that working as an RA improved their mental health. Recovery assistants observe several significant changes in their clients resulting from their work. The most important of these are greater motivation to undergo treatment (79%) and clients starting to make plans for the future and engage in various activities (72%). Conclusions The results indicate the validity of conducting courses and training recovery assistants at both basic and advanced levels. The introduction of recovery assistants into therapeutic teams has positive effects for both the assistants themselves and the individuals they support. It is necessary to deepen research on the scope of RAs’ work and their role in therapeutic teams.
Objectives Alcohol craving, a core symptom of addiction, is experienced by most individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Its significance in the course of addiction treatment has been widely investigated using various psychometric instruments. The Craving Typology Questionnaire (CTQ) developed by Martinotti et al. allows for the assessment of alcohol craving in accordance with the three-factor model proposed by Verheul et al. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the CTQ for use in the Polish population. Methods A total of 510 individuals (396 men and 114 women) diagnosed with alcohol dependence and undergoing treatment in various therapeutic centers participated in the study. Alongside the CTQ, the following instruments were used: the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (Y-BOCS-hd), and the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD) to assess craving intensity and severity of dependence. Results The Polish version of the CTQ demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. Factor analysis revealed three dimensions ‒ reward craving, relief craving, and obsessive craving ‒ accounting for approximately 47% of the total variance. Due to differences in factor structure from the original, the final version was reduced from 20 to 17 items. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85 for Obsessive craving, 0.73 for Relief craving, and 0.57 for Reward craving. All CTQ subscales showed moderate, significant correlations with PACS, Y-BOCS-hd, and alcohol dependence severity. Conclusions The method can therefore be recommended, albeit with some caution, for use in research and clinical practice, particularly in the selection of appropriate forms of therapy, including pharmacological interventions.
Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are defined by the abrupt onset of tics and/or obsessive–compulsive symptoms temporally linked to group A Streptococcus (GAS). Post-pandemic reports note a rebound of pediatric invasive GAS (iGAS), providing an epidemiologic backdrop for more frequent neuropsychiatric presentations. This narrative review (2020–2025; PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, plus snowballing) synthesizes evidence on the PANDAS/PANS–GAS relationship, clinical spectrum, differential diagnosis with Sydenham chorea (SC), immunopathogenesis, and treatment. Beyond classic OCD and motor tics, the phenotype includes speech disfluency, ocular tics, and acute eating restriction with functional and nutritional risk. Immunologic data support molecular mimicry, Th17/IL-17–driven neuroinflammation, blood‒brain barrier dysfunction, and antineuronal or folate receptor-α antibodies; however, no single validated biomarker exists, and antistreptolysin O (ASO), anti-DNase B document exposure only. Management is individualized and multimodal: antibiotic eradication (with prophylaxis in selected, frequently relapsing cases), immunomodulation (steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), therapeutic plasma exchange) for severe/refractory courses, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (CBT/SSRIs) for core psychiatric symptoms. Contemporary data strengthen a post-streptococcal, immune-mediated framework while underscoring heterogeneous case definitions and the paucity of high-quality trials; prospective biomarker and treatment validation remain priorities.
Celem prezentowanego w artykule badania była weryfikacja związków między patologicznymi cechami osobowości według modelu zaburzeń osobowości w DSM-5 (Negatywny afekt, Izolacja, Rozhamowanie, Antagonizm, Psychotyzm) a czasem poświęcanym na różne aktywności internetowe (gry, społeczności online, pornografia, humor online, zakupy online, książki elektroniczne, streaming wideo, streaming wideo live, podcasty, muzyka online). Badaniem objęto 224 osoby (55,36% kobiet) w wieku od 18 do 59 lat (M = 29,86; SD = 9,09). Zastosowano Inwentarz Osobowości PID-5 oraz ankietę własnego autorstwa, dotyczącą czasu poświęcanego na wybrane aktywności internetowe. Wykazano, że kobiety i mężczyźni różnią się w zakresie czasu poświęcanego na takie aktywności internetowe, jak gry, pornografia, zakupy online i muzyka online. Ponadto, zaobserwowano między innymi liczne dodatnie, słabe lub umiarkowane, korelacje między patologicznymi cechami osobowości a czasem poświęcanym na gry, pornografię i społeczności online u mężczyzn oraz dodatnie, słabe lub umiarkowane, korelacje między patologicznymi cechami osobowości a czasem poświęcanym na – zwłaszcza – humor online u kobiet. Nasze badania ukazują, że mężczyźni i kobiety, poświęcając czas na poszczególne aktywności internetowe, mogą być motywowani odmiennymi patologicznymi cechami osobowości. Wydaje się również, że różne aktywności online mogą pełnić funkcje regulacyjne dla różnorodnych stanów afektywnych związanych z konfiguracją poszczególnych cech osobowości.
Celem i przedmiotem pracy było określenie, jakie trudności psychiczne występują u transpłciowych nastolatków przed i po rozpoczęciu interwencji medycznych afirmujących płeć. Badaniem objęto 50 transpłciowych nastolatków. Wszystkie osoby zostały przebadane na etapie procesu diagnostycznego oraz ponownie co najmniej 6 miesięcy po rozpoczęciu tranzycji medycznej. Najpierw przeprowadzono badanie jakościowe w formie pogłębionego wywiadu indywidualnego, a następnie wykonano następujące testy psychologiczne: Inwentarz Osobowości NEO-FFI, Kwestionariusz Pomiaru Depresji KPD. Przetwarzanie statystyczne i wizualizację uzyskanych wyników wykonano przy użyciu arkusza kalkulacyjnego Microsoft Excel dla Office 365 MSO i Dell Statistica 13.1 (system oprogramowania do analizy danych). Analiza statystyczna wykazała, że wraz z rozpoczęciem interwencji hormonalnych afirmujących płeć u transpłciowych nastolatków zmniejsza się poziom neurotyczności oraz spada nasilenie objawów depresyjnych. Włączenie hormonalnych interwencji afirmujących płeć u chłopców i dziewcząt doświadczających dysforii / niezgodności płciowej ma pozytywny wpływ na poziom neurotyczności, jak również na nasilenie objawów depresyjnych. Wykazano istotne zależności między poziomem neurotyczności, a nasileniem objawów depresyjnych u transpłciowych dziewcząt i chłopców.
Stigmatization and discrimination of people due to their specific characteristics is a widespread problem, both in Poland and worldwide. Stigmatization of people with mental disorders and diseases is a particular type of it. Although this phenomenon has its roots in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and was scientifically described several dozen years ago, it is still a current and unsolved problem. Stigmatization can take place on different levels and appear as autostigmatization, community-related stigmatization, and institutional stigmatization. It takes different forms and has varying negative effects. Counteracting this situation and eliminating its effects, that have already arisen, is a vital necessity and an essential activity of the society in order to provide better functioning and treatment for people with mental illness. Challenges in this area are faced both by state institutions responsible for the health care system and by private entities such as NGOs, media corporations, and companies employing people. The individual commitment of each and every person is also important to prevent and respond appropriately to the stigmatization of people affected by mental illness.
OBJECTIVES:The authors evaluated functional capacity, including locomotion and motor skills, in individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and analyzed the impact of regular physical activity on mood and cognitive functions. METHODS:This cross-sectional study involved 71 patients (mean age: 71 ± 8 years) with mild or moderate depressive episodes, assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants scoring <24 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were excluded. The authors evaluated physical capacity using the following tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Single Leg Stance (SLS) with open or closed eyes (SLS OP/CL), and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30sCST). The results were compared with population norms, and the relationship between the severity of depressive symptoms and physical capacity was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS:Significant reductions in physical capacity were observed in the study group. Test results indicate a significant negative correlation between the severity of depressive symptoms and functional capacity, particularly for SLS OP (r = -0.33; p = 0.042) and 30sCST (r = -0.26; p = 0.031). Women scored worse than men, and a higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with reduced physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS:The findings indicate a significant impact of depression on the deterioration of functional capacity in older adults, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physical interventions into the treatment of this population.
OBJECTIVES:To assess attachment patterns and stress coping strategies in patients with NIH and non-NIH phenotypes of PCOS. Additionally, to explore the correlations between attachment and stress coping, as well as the correlations between BMI, hirsutism, and psychological variables. METHODS:62 patients with NIH phenotypes and 32 patients with non-NIH phenotypes were enrolled into the study. Each patient underwent gynecological and endocrinological diagnostics. Attachment Styles Questionnaire was used to assess attachment, and Mini-Cope Inventory was applied to assess stress coping. RESULTS:The anxious-ambivalent attachment pattern was more pronounced in patients with "classic" NIH phenotypes. Patients with NIH phenotypes were less likely to use active coping, planning, and acceptance as coping mechanisms for stress. Furthermore, we observed a statistical trend in the differences in the following avoidance coping strategies: denial (p = 0.066), behavioral disengagement (p = 0.084), and self-blame (p = 0.066). In both phenotypes secure attachment correlated positively with seeking emotional support, whereas anxious-avoidant correlated negatively with this mechanism. In turn, anxious-ambivalent attachment in both phenotypes correlated negatively with acceptance and positively with behavioral disengagement and self-blame. Attachment patterns did not correlate with either BMI or the severity of hirsutism. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with different PCOS phenotypes differ in their attachment patterns and stress coping strategies. Attachment styles are correlated with specific coping mechanisms for stress. Personalized approach that takes into account the clinical variability of PCOS and differences in psychological functioning should be applied.
Chemsex, defined as the use of psychoactive substances to sustain sexual activity or intensify the experiences associated with it, occurs primarily among men who have sex with men. This article presents the case of a 30-year-old HIV-positive man who engaged in chemsex primarily with mephedrone and, occasionally, GHB, and who subsequently developed mephedrone dependence. He sought psychiatric care because of severe drug craving, recurrent depressive and anxiety symptoms accompanying withdrawal syndromes, and fears of losing control over his addiction. A comprehensive evaluation revealed no co-occurring psychiatric disorders or other clinically significant medical abnormalities apart from known HIV infection, which was effectively controlled with antiretroviral therapy. After initiation of bupropion at a dose of 150 mg per day, improvement in mood, reduction in mephedrone craving, and a marked decrease in the frequency of chemsex were observed. This supports the hypothesis that bupropion-induced stabilization of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission may indirectly attenuate craving for stimulants such as mephedrone. Psychotherapy introduced during the course of treatment further supported the patient in pursuing long-term abstinence. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing successful reduction of drug craving with bupropion in an HIV-positive patient engaging in chemsex without co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This case suggests the potential utility of bupropion in reducing mephedrone craving in individuals engaging in chemsex; however, conclusions drawn from a single clinical observation should be interpreted with caution.
The objective of this study is to present the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the treatment of schizophrenia, with a particular focus on therapy personalization and relapse prediction. The significance of schizophrenia as a major health issue and the associated therapeutic challenges, such as the low effectiveness of traditional treatment methods and difficulties in patient adherence to recommendations, are discussed. The study analyzes the application of AI in processing large datasets, including biometric, behavioral, and genetic information, which support the individualization of therapy. Examples of AI-driven projects are presented, such as patient language analysis for early relapse detection and real-time health monitoring devices. It is highlighted that such solutions can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce hospitalization rates. Special attention is given to predictive algorithms based on machine learning that enable the identification of schizophrenia relapses through complex data patterns. The study also emphasizes the integration of AI with VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technologies, which can help patients manage their symptoms more effectively. The paper concludes with reflections on the future of AI in psychiatry, pointing to its potential to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare, particularly in resource-limited regions.
Disorders of the mental life have accompanied the species Homo sapiens since the beginning of its existence. One of the most serious is schizophrenia. Its presence in all cultures, with similar frequency, indicates that this disease probably appeared before the formation of the oldest genetically isolated populations. Schizophrenia is also associated with the phenomenon of the so-called "evolutionary paradox". It concerns a situation in which genetic variants predisposing to the disease persist in the population despite the deterioration of the fitness of people affected by the disease, early onset of the disease, higher mortality and, consequently, reduced reproductive capacity. This seemingly contradicts the classical Darwinian theory of evolution, according to which natural selection promotes genetic variants that give an advantage in the above areas. In this article, we will try to present theories and hypotheses, often complementary, sometimes contradictory, that try to explain the causes of this puzzle. We will look at the evidence that allows us to treat schizophrenia as an adaptive advantage, but also that which considers it an unfavorable, although inevitable, product of brain evolution. We will point to potential genetic, metabolic, and social factors that may be involved in perpetuating the "evolutionary paradox" of schizophrenia mentioned above.
Treating schizophrenia involves many difficulties. It is estimated that around 20-33% of patients do not respond to the proposed therapy with available antipsychotic drugs, which is associated with the occurrence of problems with everyday functioning. Currently used drugs are mainly characterized by regulation of the dopaminergic system. This review compiles information on the effectiveness of a complex drug (xanomeline with trospium) for schizophrenia with a new mechanism of action. The drug, known as KarXT, targets proteins in the brain known as muscarinic receptors. Activation of these receptors suppresses the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, whose deficiency is associated with the occurrence of key symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. The drug offers hope for better efficacy in treating schizophrenia and better tolerability than current therapies. On September 27, 2024, the FDA approved Cobenfy (known as KarXT - xanomeline with trospium), a new oral medication for adults with schizophrenia. The approval of Cobenfy is a landmark moment in the treatment of schizophrenia because it offers a new, innovative treatment option for this challenging condition.
OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the effectiveness of a day treatment program in reducing primary negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia and to identify predictors of treatment response. METHODS:This study was conducted at the Day Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre for people suffering from psychosis. Forty-three participants were assessed using PANSS, BNSS, CDSS, MOCA and FAB scales before and after 3 months of treatment. The therapeutic program included individual and group psychotherapy, social skills training, psychoeducation, music therapy, movement therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic community meetings, family sessions, and therapeutic excursions. RESULTS:Participants showed a significant decrease in negative symptoms and depressive symptoms following treatment. Improvement was observed in all five domains of negative symptoms. Regression analysis showed that intact motor programming skills were a significant predictor of improvement in negative symptoms. Improvement in insight correlated with better treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:The day treatment program was effective in treating primary negative symptoms in all five domains. Further research with a larger sample size and a control group is needed.
OBJECTIVES:To explore the mediating role of negative resources distribution in the relationship between sense of hopelessness and intensity of self-aggression in problematic substance users. Beck's concept was used to define sense of hopelessness, while Gaś's concept of psychological aggression syndrome was used to define self-aggressive behavior. Two dimensions of this syndrome were crucial for our research ‒ self-destructive tendencies and hostility towards oneself. The mediating functions of resource distribution consistent with the desperation principle are described based on Conservation of Resources Theory by Hobfoll. METHODS:The study encompassed 606 individuals. The mean age was 42.58. The study used the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) in the Polish adaptation by Oleś and Juros, the Psychological Inventory of Aggression Syndrome (IPSA), and the Polish adaptation of Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources-Evaluation (COR-E). RESULTS:Our research showed a significant positive correlation between sense of hopelessness and intensity of self-destructive behaviors in problematic substance users. Distribution of resources is a mediator of the relationship between feeling of hopelessness and the frequency of self-aggressive behaviors: an increase in the feeling of hopelessness leads to a significant unfavorable distribution of resources, while an unfavorable distribution of resources co-occurs with an increased risk of self-destructive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS:In a group of problematic substance users, intensity of their sense of hopelessness is correlated with a tendency to self-aggressive behaviors. Distribution of resources moderates this correlation.
Depression is becoming an increasingly significant challenge for public and societal health, affecting both adults and children and adolescents worldwide. Diagnosis is based on identifying five characteristic symptoms persisting for at least two weeks. Diagnosing children may be more challenging due to the masking of symptoms in behavioral patterns. Treatment mainly involves medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but due to limited availability of approved drugs, off-label use is often resorted to. Fluoxetine is an important drug in the treatment of depression in children, showing efficacy and good tolerability. However, patients should be monitored for suicidal thoughts. Sertraline, although not registered for the treatment of depression in children, is often used off-label and shows a positive response to treatment. Escitalopram, approved for the treatment of depression in children over 12 years of age, is stronger and more selective than citalopram, but its approval is based on limited clinical trials. Children and adolescents have different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, requiring a personalized approach to therapy. Therapy monitored by drug concentration in the blood (TDM) is an important tool for adjusting the dose to the patient's needs. The role of pharmacists in monitoring antidepressant therapy in children and adolescents is valuable and can contribute to improved clinical outcomes. The article analyzes the efficacy and safety of antidepressant drugs in children and adolescents, with an emphasis on SSRIs, and identifies issues related to therapy selection, with particular emphasis on personalized care and the growing role of TDM in optimizing treatment outcomes.
OBJECTIVES:The Secondary Traumatic Stress Inventory (STSI), which is a modified version of the PTSD Symptom List (PCL-5), is designed to assess the symptoms of secondary traumatic stress in professionals working with traumatized individuals. The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the STSI and establish diagnostic criteria allowing for the assessment of the severity of disorders following secondary traumatic stress. METHODS:The research was conducted among 900 people representing eight occupational groups exposed to secondary trauma. In total, data from 810 participants was analyzed, the majority of whom (64%) were women. The mean age of the subjects was 43.9 years (SD = 9.60). The STSI was performed in conjunction with several other measurement tools. RESULTS:STSI is characterized by a high reliability index (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). Four factors were found to correspond to the main criteria of post-traumatic stress disorders, viz. intrusions, avoidance, changes in cognition and emotions, and increased arousal and reactivity. The confirmatory analysis confirmed the validity of adopting the four-factor structure. A cut-off point of 33 was found to be predictive of possible disorders after secondary traumatic stress. The highest risk of disorders was noted among medical personnel, the lowest among therapists and police officers. CONCLUSIONS:STSI is an accurate and reliable tool for assessing secondary traumatic stress and can be used both in research and clinical practice as a predictor of disorders after secondary traumatic stress.
OBJECTIVES:The aim of the study was to search for the relationship between insomnia, stress, and occupational burnout and to identify factors influencing their severity among health care workers. METHODS:This survey-based study was conducted among 216 health care workers. It was performed using the author questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS:Analysis of the effects of stress (PSS-10) and insomnia (AIS) on occupational burnout showed that stress correlated significantly (p ˂ 0.05) and positively (r ˃ 0) with all MBI subscales; that is, the more severe the stress, the higher the levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, but also personal accomplishment. Insomnia correlated significantly (p ˂ 0.05) and positively (r ˃ 0) with all MBI subscales - the more severe the insomnia, the higher the levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, but also personal accomplishment. CONCLUSIONS:(1) Age and work experience were the sociodemographic variables that determined the occurrence of insomnia among the surveyed participants. (2) The form of employment may be an important factor that determines the level of stress, insomnia, and job burnout. Those employed under permanent contracts had lower levels of stress and job burnout, more often suffered from insomnia, and had higher levels of personal accomplishment. (3) In the study group, stress and insomnia influenced all aspects of job burnout. As stress and insomnia increased, so did levels of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, but also personal accomplishment.
The phenomenon of "hikikomori" is characterized by spending most of the day in one room, visibly avoiding social situations and interpersonal relationships, and leaving one's room only at night so as not to be noticed by others, and spending a lot of time surfing the Internet or playing video games. Although first described in Japan, cases have been described from around the world. Studies on hikikomori available in the literature indicate a wide range of disorders diagnosed in this group of patients such as anxiety disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. However, it is most often observed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). The aim of this study is to consider hikikomori as a specific presentation of psychotic decompensation in people with ASD. In the case of a 10-year-old boy with ASD, sulpiride brought an improvement in social withdrawal, which, together with the symptoms presented by him, may indicate the possibility of psychotic decompensation in the form of hikikomori. Due to the lack of therapeutic guidelines for the management of people with hikikomori, this may be a valuable guideline for the implementation of appropriate pharmacotherapy by clinicians, in which attention should also be paid to frequently occurring other psychiatric disorders.
