A Case Report on Somatoform Disorder: Colorful Visual Hallucinations

• Main Authors: Susan Afghah, Morteza gholi Noorikhajavi, Jafar Babapour
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Negah Institute for Scientific Communication 2013-04-01
• Series: Iranian Rehabilitation Journal
• Subjects: Elementary visual hallucinations; Migraine aura; Occipital seizures; Somatoform disorders; Psychoeducational therapy
• Online Access: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-243-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1

Objectives: To report a case of somatoform disorder (not otherwise specified-NOS). Methods: The patient was an eight-year-old boy who complained of anxiety and seeing visual hallucinations of colorful shapes. He was administered ant migraine and antiepileptic drugs. However, no changes were observed. Psychotherapy was started, as well as fluoxetine (20 mg per day). Initial assessments included a behavioral interview, charting of daily activities, and recording visual hallucinations with a description of the patient’s emotional and situational condition during the hallucinations. Results: The patient’s visual hallucinations disappeared completely after two months of treatment. Discussion: Somatoform disorders may respond well to a combination of behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication.