Steroid-Induced Psychosis Presenting as "Alice in Wonderland" Syndrome

Authors

Vinobha Gorriah M.D., UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ; Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, West Trenton, NJ
Frank W. Favazza M.D., VA Medical Center, Lyons, NJ
Migdalia Fort-Ramirez M.D., Mental Hygiene Clinic, VA Medical Center, Lyons, NJ

Abstract

A 40 year old overweight male with a history of bronchial asthma, hypertension, and “schizophrenia” was admitted for intractable bronchial asthma. He did not have a history of drug or alcohol use.

Upon admission, he was treated with high doses of IV methyl prednisone, oral prednisone, and triamcinolone inhaler. He developed complex visual hallucinations which decreased following tapering of prednisone and discontinuation of the triamcinolone. EEG showed diffuse slowing suggesting a toxic metabolic state.

Recommended Citation

Gorriah, Vinobha M.D.; Favazza, Frank W. M.D.; and Fort-Ramirez, Migdalia M.D. (1996) "Steroid-Induced Psychosis Presenting as "Alice in Wonderland" Syndrome," Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29046/JJP.013.1.006
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffjpsychiatry/vol13/iss1/7