Tinnitus como síntoma de psicosis de inicio reciente. A propósito de un caso

Abstract

Objectives: In this article, and using a clinical case report, it is intended to point out the importance of the detection of attenuated psychotic symptoms in patients at high risk of psychosis in order to carry out an early intervention that may improve their prognosis. Case report: The case is presented of a 17-year- old woman who suffered tinnitus for the last three months, with important affective and behavioural repercussions. After ruling out an organic cause of the tinnitus, she was admitted to psychiatry, where she received treatment with a low dose of an atypical antipsychotic drug, resulting in a significant clinical improvement. Results: Tinnitus is a heterogeneous symptom in terms of its clinical presentation and aetiology. Its interest for psychiatry lies in the high comorbidity with psychiatric illness and in the variety of disorders with which it has been associated. Among these, its relationship with psychotic disorders is particularly complex, given the symptomatic overlap between tinnitus and attenuated psychotic symptoms. In the present case, a careful examination of the patient revealed atypical features in tinnitus, which along with the associated symptoms and functional decline led to its evaluation within the paradigm of high risk states of psychosis. Conclusions: This case report highlights the fact that some non-specific symptoms, such as tinnitus, may be a sign of recent onset psychosis. Recognising these symptoms is essential in order to identify those cases that may benefit from early intervention