Corticosteroids and culture: A case of acute cortico-induced psychotic episode

Abstract

Psychiatric side effects secondary to corticosteroids have been described for a long time. Some reactions are severe, occurri ng in approximately 5% of patients. These side effects are more difficult to evaluate when corticosteroids are assumed without medical supervision, practicing self-medication influenced by some cultural factors. We here report the case of a young woman with acute corticosteroid-induced psychotic episode. The patient had assumed corticosteroids in an attempt to gain weight. We here highlight the role of diagnostic tests and early management of patients as well as of an effective multidisciplinary strategy, in particular when cultural involvement of patients occurs, as in the case of our patient.