The problem with this behavioral disorder is that it can be difficult to tell from other medical conditions as they all have very similar symptoms with these other disorders: Poor oral hygiene is also present and often leads to dental rot and halitosis. This is usually characterized by a horny and crusty layer of skin that develops due to a lack of skin washing or bathing. People with Diogenes syndrome may also develop certain skin issues like dermatitis. Cases have been reported where individuals hoard spoiled/ rotting food, garbage, and even human waste in their homes.Īpart from living in squalor and extreme self-neglect - the affected individual typically will not ask for any help. Most patients do not display any symptoms of psychosis either.īut despite the clutter and lack of hygiene they lack insight into their living situation and do not display any distress with their living conditions. There have been cases where the person returns to their usual self upon treatment of whatever illness they have. Some studies link the sudden onset of Diogenes in the elderly when they are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as cancer and those who are living alone. Symptoms of Diogenes SyndromeĪge plays a big factor in this disorder. This state of unexplained clutter is also taken to an extreme by the affected individual as their homes become unsanitary and described as living in squalor. It has been closely related to a form of hoarding disorder but not necessarily a real hoarding disorder because there is an abnormal clustering of stuff that doesn’t have any real value or sentimental worth to the individual. The incidence of Diogenes syndrome has been pegged at 5 for every 10,000 adults 60 yrs. It is also known as a senile or severe social breakdown, senile squalor syndrome, self-neglect syndrome or the messy house syndrome. It is considered a rare condition as only 0.05 % of seniors aged 60 and older may be affected.ĭiogenes syndrome can either be a primary or secondary affliction, and the latter may be a result of another mental disorder. However, studies show that it is common for people who are over 60 and those who live alone. The disorder shows no real correlation with the level of intelligence of affected seniors and their genders. No matter the socioeconomic status but very much pronounced in older people. What is Diogenes Syndrome?īoth men and women can be affected by Diogenes Syndrome. The exact cause of this disorder is not quite on the clear but it is linked to neurologic and psycho-emotional factors. However, health workers involved with senior adult care have many cases to date that show no cause of psychiatric disorder from these older adult individuals. Alexander the Great found him lying on the ground under the sun and asked if there was anything he could offer to help.ĭiogenes looked up and with squinting eyes and asked to move because he was blocking the sunlight from himĭiogenes syndrome can be closely related to Dementia. Readings mentioned how Alexander the Great came to Diogenes as Diogenes was the only person who could not be bothered to pay him his respects.
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