Case Report on a Misdiagnosed Case of Subcortical Vascular Dementia – the Importance of Sound Knowledge of Psychiatry With Proper History Taking

Psychiatric symptoms at presentation may often be missed, if not suspected or specifically explored. A missed psychiatric diagnosis lead to dire consequences in terms of poor quality life and function for the patient, affecting overall healthcare provided. This lady presented with depressive after multiple strokes was initially diagnosed as post stroke depression. However, it observed that she did show any improvement despite being on antidepressants, subsequent further investigations revealed a history more suggestive subcortical vascular dementia. Consequently, detailed neuropsychological neuropsychiatric assessments, including NUCOG, relevant MRI brain scans were performed suggesting case illustrates an insufficiently thorough assessment treatment process results unnecessary morbidity, prolongs duration illness, increases social occupational dysfunction patient. Hence, underscores need perform history, physical examination ensure organic etiologies are ruled out clients sociodemographic clinical risk factors.