Recurrent Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of connective tissue disorders that most commonly causes joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Patients diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) frequently suffer from chronic pain and other comorbid conditions. In addition, there is an increased incidence of psychiatry conditions in this patient population, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. We present the case of a 25-year-old female who presented to a community hospital with frequent thoughts of suicide and major depression. She was previously diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, borderline personality disorder, and major depressive disorder. The patient was treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and gabapentin for pain associated with EDS. However, she was still suicidal and was admitted upon evaluation. Subsequently, she was prescribed lithium in order to augment the effects of the SSRI and reduce her risk of suicide. In addition to pharmacotherapy, patients with these conditions should consider enrolling in some type of therapy.