Forced treatment of a periappendicular abscess in a paranoid schizophrenic
Andersen, K.F.; Jensen, J.S.; Alnor, J.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 176(30)
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 25292238 Document Number: 678167
A paranoid schizophrenic 34-year-old man presented with acute lower right abdominal pain. A periappendicular abscess was discovered and the septic patient was offered drainage - which he refused. He was found to be psychotic with auditory hallucinations and a lack of insight into the severity of his condition. In respect of the patient's wishes, conservative treatment was chosen. The patient's condition worsened and the abscess was then drained against his will in accordance with the Danish mental health law. After the drainage, he had a cardiac arrest, presumably from hypoxia following aspiration.