Add-on oral olanzapine worsens hallucinations in schizoaffective disorder. (21st October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Volpe, Umberto; Vignapiano, Annarita; Gallo, Olimpia; Fabrazzo, Michele
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-10-21
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-205805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Anecdotal evidence tends to favour olanzapine in the treatment of hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders; however, no conclusive evidence is available on this topic. We report here a clinical case in which a 46-year-old man, suffering from a schizoaffective disorder (depressed type), underwent olanzapine treatment (20 mg/day). After inducing an initial amelioration, the patient had a re-exacerbation of auditory hallucinations and a clinical and psychosocial worsening, which subsided after olanzapine discontinuation. Olanzapine may induce a worsening of hallucinations in a psychotic disorder with substantial affective component and therefore its use should be carefully evaluated in such cases.