Le syndrome de Diogène

The Diogenes syndrom is made up of two chief elements, self-neglect and collectionnisme and some others. Some vignettes help to describe the features.     

Claustration et collectionnisme : réflexions à propos d’un cas de syndrome de Diogène avec vols kleptomaniaques et vengeurs

Social withdrawal is a pathognomonic behaviour that is consistently associated with mental illnesses. Compulsive hoarding can also be interpreted as a pathological behaviour, even when it does not involve kleptomania. Diogenes syndrome (DS) was first described in 1975, and is characterized by both behaviours - social withdrawal and compulsive hoarding. Even though it is often the manifestation of a psychiatric condition, its aetiology is diverse. The most frequent ones are however: dementia, schizophrenia and mental retardation. In this study, we describe an atypical case presenting with DS. Il consists of a young man, seen in a forensic setting, who had been diagnosed with kleptomania in the past, presents with compulsive hoarding, and whose recent thefts were fuelled by revenge. Finally, to our knowledge, the way social withdrawal is viewed is seldom taken into account. We analyse its implication on social withdrawal.