Scurvy and Psychiatric Symptoms

Scurvy is not just a disease of the past, but of the present as well. Yet, the possibility of scurvy is often overlooked in assessing a client's mental health status. Prompt recognition and treatment of scurvy can prevent unnecessary diagnostic testing, as well as a delay in treatment. The author presents a case history of a 55-year-old man with scurvy, delusions, and depression. The client's history, course of illness, treatment, and plan of care are discussed.