Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia: a case report

Author: Yin Ping Ng ; Ewe Eow Teh
Publication Type:Case Reports
Keywords: Behavioural Variant, Frontotemporal, Dementia, Diagnosis
From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2013;14(1):1-5
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: This case report highlights the challenges encountered in arriving at the diagnosis of a case with ‘behavioural variant Frontotemporal Dementia’. Methods: We report a case of ‘behavioural variant Frontotemporal Dementia’ diagnosed in a 49 year old Chinese lady. Results: This patient was misdiagnosed as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Parkinson Disease and Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), deemed not responding to medications which was later complicated with Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Her diagnosis was revised only after 2 years, after which her behavioural problems stabilised, bringing some relief to her family’s distress. Conclusion: Though not rare, ‘behavioural variant Frontotemporal dementia’ is often misdiagnosed and patients and their families suffer unnecessary suffering before the condition is finally diagnosed.