Skoptic syndrome: the treatment of an obsessional gender dysphoria with lithium carbonate and psychotherapy

American Journal of Psychotherapy
E Coleman, J Cesnik

Abstract

Cases of body image pathology are often misdiagnosed. Recognition of the obsessional annoyance with body image, especially with primary and secondary sex characteristics (skoptic syndrome), is important in making a differential diagnosis with other psychiatric and gender identity disorders. We have reported the successful use of lithium carbonate in treating two cases of skoptic syndrome. The initial low dosage (600 mg./day) resulted in dramatic reversal of obsessional thoughts of self-mutilization and self-castration. Increased dosages (900 mg./day) are still well below those usually used for manic-depressive illness. Our choice of lithium carbonate was prompted by our experience in successfully treating other forms of sexually related dysphorias at low doses, its ability to act rapidly, and the minimal side effects. These changes have been dramatic and lasting. In addition, there was marked lessening of dysthymia and intense anhedonia manifested by severe isolation, listlessness, and apathy. We believe that these cases are important to report in order that psychotherapists make better differential diagnoses of psychiatric disorders related to body image pathology and gender identity disorders. We also feel it is important to ...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 7, 1998·Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy·R Balon
Jun 11, 2009·The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·Wylie C HembreeUNKNOWN Endocrine Society
Jun 28, 2012·Archives of Sexual Behavior·William ByneUNKNOWN American Psychiatric Association Task Force on Treatment of Gender Identity Disorder
Jan 10, 1998·European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·M Landén, P Rasmussen
May 26, 1999·Journal of Psychosomatic Research·P T Cohen-Kettenis, L J Gooren

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anxiety Disorders

Discover the latest research on anxiety disorders including agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder here.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic and/or depressive episodes and associated with uncommon shifts in mood, activity levels, and energy. Discover the latest research this illness here.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder is an intense preoccupation with an imagined defect in ones physical appearance. It can be a severely impairing disorder and is common among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Discover the latest research on body dysmorphic disorder here.

Related Papers

Duodecim; lääketieteellinen aikakauskirja
Seppo Kähkönen, Nils Holmberg
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
M BrowneT T Jones
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
A LoboP E Stokes
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved