Cotard's syndrome induced by ecstasy

Abstract

The term ecstasy is used to describe various substances that share similar chemical structures and effects, often referring to 3,4-methylenedioxy-N- methylamphetamine (3,4-MDMA). MDMA psychic effects are mainly hallucinatory and stimulatory. Current trends consider Cotard's delusion as a delusional belief of being dead or having paralyzed or rotten organs, independent of the diagnosis the patient has received. This case report is about a psychotic episode where the patient presented with hypochondriac delusion and olfactory hallucinations resembling Cotard's syndrome and associated with ecstasy abuse. He was given olanzapine and achieved total remission from symptoms.