Navigating complexity: a unique psychiatric case in primary care - A case report


Kasapoğlu S. S., Eliaçık O. E., Mevsim V.

29th WONCA EUROPE CONFERENCE, Dublin, İrlanda, 25 - 28 Eylül 2024, ss.1130, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Dublin
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İrlanda
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1130
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction

Depressive symptoms in primary care settings can be complex, often obscuring underlying rare conditions. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges faced when symptoms overlap with conditions like Cataplexy Narcolepsy. Such scenarios underscore the need for heightened clinical suspicion and thorough evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal management.

Case Presentation

A 19-year-old female medical student presented with symptoms suggestive of depression, including self-isolation, excessive sleepiness, and academic challenges. Despite initial improvements with self-efforts and family support, symptoms resurfaced, leading to interpersonal difficulties and academic setbacks. Further evaluation revealed scores indicative of severe depression on PHQ-9, prompting neurology referral due to severe headaches and numbness. Normal MRI findings and suspicion of narcolepsy led to a psychiatric referral, where the patient was diagnosed with Cataplexy Narcolepsy and initiated on modafinil therapy with positive outcomes.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes the importance of considering rare conditions in the differential diagnosis of depressive symptoms, especially when clinical presentation is atypical or treatment response is suboptimal. It highlights the pivotal role of primary care in recognizing complex psychiatric presentations and the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Continued post-referral follow-up is essential for comprehensive care and optimal patient outcomes.