Citation

Burrows S, Perron S, Susser S. Am. J. Case Rep. 2013; 14: 176-178.

Affiliation

Montreal Public Health Department, Montreal, Canada ; Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Canada ; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, International Scientific Literature)

DOI

10.12659/AJCR.883926

PMID

23826461

Abstract

PATIENT: Male, 62. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Bipolar disorder. SYMPTOMS: Bordeline personality disorder. MEDICATION: - CLINICAL PROCEDURE: Bed bug infestation. SPECIALTY: Psychiatry. OBJECTIVE: Unusual clinical course. BACKGROUND: In the past decade, bed bug infestations have been increasingly common in high income countries. Psychological consequences of these infestations are rarely examined in the scientific literature. CASE REPORT: We present a case, based on a coroner's investigation report, of a woman with previous psychiatric morbidity who jumped to her death following repeated bed bug infestations in her apartment. Our case report shows that the bed bug infestations were the likely trigger for the onset a negative psychological state that ultimately led to suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Given the recent surge in infestations, rapid action needs to be taken not only in an attempt to control and eradicate the bed bugs but also to adequately care for those infested by bed bugs.

Language: en