Schizophrenia associated with celiac disease: diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties

Author: 
Mouhadi K., Gassim S., Hnach Y., Yassari M and Rammouz I

Celiac disease (CD) is an enteropathy related to autoimmune diseases, induced by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The association between celiac disease and schizophrenia has been described in several studies. We report the clinical case of a patient admitted for delusional events with a progressive deterioration of general condition. On the basis of clinical and laboratory data, the diagnosis of schizophrenia associated with celiac disease was retained. This comorbidity raises the question of the pathophysiological basis for this association, and the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.
The diagnosis of celiac disease in this population presents a challenge for the clinician, because most of them are not aware of their medical problems. On the other hand the suffering subjects with schizophrenia and celiac disease have difficulties to be active players in the treatment of their disease. Screening for celiac disease using serum dosage is legitimate before any call sign because the silent evolution of celiac disease expose to deadly complications. Psycho-education remains a key element in their care. The gluten-free diet changes the prognosis of celiac disease and schizophrenia.

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DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2019.16865.3134
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