Diogenes Syndrome in the Elderly

Diogenes Syndrome in the Elderly

Diogenes Syndrome in the Elderly can affect men and women of any age or socio-economic background, but it most often manifests itself as a behavioral disorder in the elderly. According to research, it appears to be more common in people of average intelligence aged over 60 and living alone.

What is Diogenes syndrome?

(Syndrome de misère sénile)

Diogenes Syndrome is a mental health condition marked by poor personal hygiene, hoarding, and untidy housing. Since it affects more older men and women, it is also known as senile misery syndrome. Patients with Diogenes syndrome are not concerned with self-care or maintaining a clean living atmosphere, and they seem indifferent to their condition or how others react to it.

On believes that Diogenes is a reaction to end-of-life tragedy in certain circumstances, such as the death of a lifelong partner. Treatment is often complex because the person does not appreciate intrusions into their lifestyle, leading to resistance and a lack of cooperation.

People and cultures have different views on self-hygiene and protection. As a result, many symptoms of Diogenes syndrome can be difficult to diagnose and treat critically. On the other hand, poor hygiene or self-neglect could put a person with this condition in danger.

Why is it called Diogenes syndrome ?

Diogenes was a 4th-century Greek philosopher4th century who lived in a barrel. According to legend, Diogenes, the Greek minimalist philosopher, was the only one who did not pay homage to Alexander the Great during his visit to Corinth. Alexander found him sitting in the heat, and he asked what he could do to help him. “I wish you would stop standing between me and the sun,”Diogenes replied.

Alexander was struck by Diogenes’ greatness and was later said to have said that if he were not Alexander the Great, he would rather be Diogenes.

On the other hand, contemporaries characterized Diogenes as having a "lack of shame" and a "contempt for social organization”, thus calling this syndrome Diogenes syndrome. However, the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not list Diogenes syndrome as a psychiatric illness because it usually occurs in conjunction with other conditions. Additionally, there is no medical literature on this subject.

Types of Diogenes Syndrome

There are two types of Diogenes Syndrome :| ||87

primaire et secondaire.

Primary Diogenes syndrome

Primary Diogenes syndromeprimary is characterized by the fact that it is not triggered by other existing medical conditions, meaning that it occurred suddenly and may have a specific reason for being.

Secondary Diogenes Syndrome

Diogenessecondary syndrome derives from another mental health disorder. Other names for Diogenes syndrome include senile or extreme social depression syndrome, self-neglect syndrome, senile misery syndrome, andMessy House syndrome.

Symptoms of Diogenes Syndrome in Seniors

Symptoms differ, but a group of common characteristics, including signs of self-neglect, may be present. Here are some of them:

• A lack of knowledge or understanding of personal hygiene, public health, or any protection.
• Distrust of society and strangers.
• Paranoia and constant distrust.
• Detachment.
• Tendency toward obsessive-compulsive behavior.
• Social anxiety at its peak.
• Hoarding and collecting trash or items household.
• Unsanitary living conditions.
• Malnutrition, poor diet.
• Refusal to accept help.
• Distrust towards medical treatments and professional advice.
• Hostility and aggressiveness.
• Distorted reality.
• Condition of the skin.

Other conditions with similar symptoms

Dermatitis is a skin disease in which a horny crust forms on the skin in people with Diogenes syndrome. A lack of consistent washing is usually the cause. Poor oral hygiene, which can lead to tooth decay and halitosis, is another complication that doctors have discovered.

Dementia can also cause some of the same symptoms as Diogenes syndrome. According to studies, dementia may be present in 15% of people with the disease, but it is not the only cause.

Signs and symptoms of Diogenes syndrome are also difficult to differentiate of those of other medical conditions, such as:

• Schizophrenia
• Palisade
• Frontal and temporal lobe dementia
• Depression|| |155

La dermatite est une maladie de la peau dans laquelle une croûte cornée se forme sur la peau chez les personnes atteintes du syndrome de Diogène. Un manque de lavage constant en est généralement la cause. Une mauvaise hygiène bucco-dentaire, qui peut entraîner la carie dentaire et l’halitose, est une autre complication découverte par les médecins.

Dementia can also cause some of the same symptoms assyndrome de Diogène. According to studies, dementia may be present in 15% of people with the disease, but it is not the only cause.

Signs and symptoms of Diogenes syndrome are also difficult to differentiate of those of other medical conditions, such as:

• Schizophrenia
• Palisade
• Frontal and temporal lobe dementia
• Depression|| |172
• Trouble obsessionnel-compulsif (TOC)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Accopagner une personne agée atteinte du syndrome de diogene