Bell's mania | |
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Other names | Delirious mania |
The hypothesized cause of Bell's mania is said to be abnormally elevated levels of extracellular dopamine. | |
Specialty | Behavioral neurology, psychiatry |
Symptoms | Hyperactivity, hyperthermia, delirium, disruption in psychomotor activities, emotional liability, fear, panic, aggression, violence, sensory dysfunction, death |
Causes | Dysfunction of dopaminergic transporters, anomalous activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate, right inferior frontal cortical regions, excited hyperdopaminergic mechanism |
Risk factors | Psychostimulant users and abusers, patients with drug withdrawal, undiagnosed/untreated psychiatric patients, people with severe manic episodes, sleep deprived individuals, people with medical history of neurological and physiological conditions |
Differential diagnosis | Bipolar disorder, acute schizophrenia, catatonia, delirium |
Treatment | Rapid sedation, intramuscular ketamine injections, electroconvulsive therapy, blood tests, regulation of body temperature. |
Medication | Benzodiazepines, antipsychotic medication, ketamine injections, dantrolene |
Bell's mania, also known as delirious mania, refers to an acute neurobehavioral syndrome. [1] This is usually characterized by an expeditious onset of delirium, mania, psychosis, followed by grandiosity, emotional lability, altered consciousness, hyperthermia, and in extreme cases, death. [1] It is sometimes misdiagnosed as excited delirium (EXD) or catatonia due to the presence of overlapping symptoms. [2] [3] Pathophysiology studies reveal elevated dopamine levels in the neural circuit as the underlying mechanism. [4] [5] Psychostimulant users as well as individuals experiencing severe manic episodes are more prone to the manifestation of this condition. [6] Management solutions such as sedation and ketamine injections have been discussed for medical professionals and individuals with the condition. Bell's mania cases are commonly reported in countries like the United States and Canada and are commonly associated with psychostimulant use and abuse. [4]
The majority of Bell's mania cases studied are triggered by psychostimulant drug usage or preexisting medical or neurological conditions, which impedes the apprehension of this syndrome. [7] Hence at present, there is still no scientific consensus on the clinical features of Bell's mania. Researchers are currently working on varying case studies to derive common clinical characteristics. Some frequent signs and symptoms include acute onset of delirium, mania or psychosis. [8] [3] Patients with Bell's mania have fluctuating severity of symptoms over time with altered consciousness and emotional lability. [9] [6] [10] They tend to be excited, agitated, paranoid, delusional and alarmed. [6] [3] [10] They display impulsive, hostile and destructive behavior towards others that can last for hours to days, as well as unexpected physical strength. [1] Catatonic symptoms such as grimacing, echopraxia, negativism, echolalia and stereotypy are often present. [11] Impaired concentration, memory loss, disorientation, insomnia, auditory and visual hallucinations are additional symptoms that follow. [6] [10] There are shifts from having loud and disorganized speech to mutism. [6] Some typical physiological signs include hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperventilation. [12]
This condition is currently not recognized as a diagnosable issue by psychiatric journals such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV [3] by the American Psychiatric Association or the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems by World Health Organization (WHO). [3]
When examined, patients with Bell's mania fail to recall names, recent experiences and are poorly oriented for location, date, and time. [12] Moreover, their blood pressure and respiratory rate are increased. [13] Additionally, mental status examination using questionnaires [13] and three diagnostic tests are taken, including drawing a clock-face, [14] The Face-Hand test [15] and Hidden figures tests. [16] Patients with Bell's mania tend to make obvious mistakes in these tests, for instance drawing a clock-face with incorrect numbering or missing clock hands. [14]
Upon acute onset of the symptoms, an instant investigation for a toxic or systemic cause is undertaken. [12] Prominence of thought disorder, grandiosity and delusional ideation, and catatonic signs indicates the diagnosis of acute schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and catatonia respectively. [12] Diagnostic complications arise as these signs are also often the notable feature of Bell's mania. [8] With the cause undetermined, Bell's mania diagnosis is usually justified with the presence of both mania and delirium regardless of the catatonic symptoms. [12]
Bell's mania and catatonia are regarded as "overlapping syndromes", [16] making differential diagnosis essential when catatonic signs are observed. [12] Thus, researchers must distinguish between excited catatonia and Bell's mania, and among malignant catatonia, excited catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). [12] When catatonic features are prominent, it is diagnosed as excited catatonia and when absent or subtle, it is identified as Bell's mania. [12] Alternatively, the presence of delirium is recognized as the discerning factor. A difference between the two is that catatonia is viewed from a movement aspect, whereas delirium from consciousness. [7]
Nevertheless, a formal set of diagnostic criteria is required to distinguish between Bell's mania and catatonia. [11] Failure to diagnose Bell's mania appearing as catatonia could lead to deleterious consequences and, in worse cases, death. [1] [8]
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the pathophysiology of Bell's mania. [3] Elevated dopamine levels in the neural circuit concerned with neuropsychiatric disorders are postulated to be responsible for the manic and psychosis symptoms and other signs, including fluctuations in body temperatures and fear. [17] Increased extracellular dopamine levels can be caused by low levels of dopaminergic transporters, sensitization of postsynaptic dopaminergic receptors, and dopamine transporters dysfunction. [6]
Mania is a prominent symptom of both bipolar disorder and Bell's mania. Hence, studying bipolar patients can provide insight into the pathophysiology of this Bell's mania. PET scans of manic patients illustrate anomalous activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate, right inferior frontal cortical regions. [6] Manic symptoms exacerbate with increasing anterior cingulate activation, which is posited to be associated with escalating dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens. [3]
Dopamine transporter regulates the reuptake of dopamine to keep the synaptic dopamine levels within normal range. [6] Hence, the elevation of such transporter levels in the striatum decreases neurotransmission. [18] Genetic studies have hypothesized a relationship between low transporter protein levels and the gene for dopamine transporter in bipolar affective patients. [6]
External sources contributing to the hypothesized hyperdopaminergic mechanism include psychostimulants like cocaine. [6] These substances provoke behavioral changes similar to mania. [19] In chronic users, drug sensitization occurs which induces increased neurotransmission and modified protein expression within the mesolimbic dopamine neurons. Adaptations in dopamine transporters is further triggered causing behavioral sensitization. [20] This phenomenon is not distinct to drug abuse but also other psychomotor stimulants such as stress. [6]
Dopaminergic transporters dysfunction is caused by acute mania of bipolar disorder, psychostimulant use, and environmental stress. It is suggested to be common mechanism in excited delirium (EXD). [6] EXD is commonly observed in psychostimulant abusers as these drugs directly impact the dopaminergic transporters, increasing the extracellular dopamine levels. [21] [6]
Amplified excitation of the dopaminergic systems can induce extreme fear and magnify both approach and avoidance behaviors. [6] The hyperdopaminergic state triggers aggression, agitation and psychomotor excitement. [6] Additionally, CNS dopamine signaling is active in heart rate, respiration and body temperature regulation. [22] Dopamine imbalance can hence result in hyperthermia, tachycardia, hyperventilation, hypertension and sleep disturbance symptoms. [6] [3]
Given that hyperdopaminergic state is postulated to be the underlying mechanism of Bell's Mania, people prone to dopamine imbalance, sensitization and low levels of dopamine transporters are susceptible. [6] Furthermore, this syndrome is usually precipitated from prevailing neurological and physiological conditions. [12] Hence, those at risk include
Whilst the scope of Bell's Mania is extensively studied, there remain some significant challenges that need to be solved with respect to treatment and management. [3]
Over the course of time the significance of this syndrome has been increasingly recognized in correspondence to the manner of death, specifically because the anatomic cause of death is hard to define during autopsy. Recent studies have elicited neurochemical imbalances [24] resulting in autonomic hyperactivity and increase in dopamine levels in the victims. [3] Emergency personnel need to recognize these symptoms promptly to avoid the individual from spiraling into metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, multiorgan failure and ultimately death. In light of the clinical findings, some treatments have been described which include effective sedation, followed closely by external cooling, monitoring medical complications and the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids. [3]
One management technique is rapid sedation in view of the unpredictable aggressive nature of the patient with Bell's Mania, especially if the symptoms that need to be handled are associated with the causes like dopamine regulation. Turning off the catecholamine cascade and rapidly sedating the patient using several sedatives like Benzodiazepines or Neuroleptics [25] can help. Several studies also point at the increased effectiveness of combination of two or more sedatives in the treatment of hyper agitated patients. [26] [27]
Patients with Bell's mania may not have optimum time for the sedatives to start showing effect. Due to this fact, electroconvulsive therapy [1] and Intramuscular Ketamine injections [3] are alternative solutions that have been proposed. With an onset time of 30 seconds to 4 minutes ketamine proves to be more effective than Benzodiazepines. [28] Although adult data on the use of Ketamine on patients isn't readily available, a study by Strayer et al. [29] concluded that the use of ketamine for controlling the hyperactivity was reliable and can further facilitate other management techniques with fewer side effects. [30]
Along with sedation techniques, a few other prevention and protection measures can decrease fatal outcomes, some of which are:
The urgency and medical severity of the condition needs to be given impetus in terms of handling patients with Bell's Mania. Due to the homologous nature of this syndrome with malignant hyperthermia (MH) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), [31] Dantrolene [32] is also a probable treatment route owing to its swift acidosis correction. Although more research is needed in correspondence to the cause and consequences of this disease, the significance of the behavioral and physical symptoms need to be given importance to provide medical institutions as well the constabulary the necessary information to respond to Bell's Mania appropriately.
The first case of Bell's Mania was observed by medical examiners during the cocaine epidemic [33] [6] in countries like the United States of America and Canada with some other cases being related to police brutality and restraint. [34] The term Bell's Mania was first coined to describe the clinical condition with a 75% mortality rate. [6] The prevalence of this condition ranges from 15% to 25% in the society and, is not an infrequent occurrence. [11]
Bell's Mania is a syndrome with unexplained etiology which was first explained by American psychiatrist Luther Bell in the 1850s after observing institutionalized psychiatric patients. The first clinical reports and descriptions of people with acute exhaustive mania and delirium were provided by a few psychiatrists in the United States of America, France and the United Kingdom. [6] The description of the symptoms seemed to be quite similar to that of patients with schizophrenia (hallucinations and delirium) however additional hyperactivity, heightened arousal, and altered sleep cycle was also reported in patients with Bell's Mania. [6]
The suggestive symptoms of this disorder were first observed in the 19th century, out of which some of the most significant ones are the onset of aggression, bizarre behavior, violence, excessive shouting, panic, paranoia and increase in body temperature. [4] In 1934, Stauder described a series of acute onset of psychomotor agitation in young people with no history of physical or psychological disturbances. [35] He termed this description as Lethal Catatonia. Other reasons for the manifestation of Bell's Mania, points at the use of stimulant drugs in excessive amounts and also psychiatric diseases like depression or schizophrenia. [12] [36]
In 1985, Bell's Mania was first mentioned in a definitive manner using the term Excited Delirium (EXD). Prior to that year, most cases of death by cocaine intoxication [37] during the cocaine epidemic that happened in a sudden manner. This involved the exposure to highly toxic amounts of the drug due to the bursting of cocaine packets being carried within the body by "body stuffers". [38] In the same year a series of observations were made by Welti and Fishbain regarding psychosis, cardiorespiratory arrest and sudden death [39] in individuals with cocaine addiction. Since the law enforcement were often called to contain violent behavior exhibited by these individuals, it was speculated that police brutality might be the underlying cause of the deaths. Upon medical review of the cases related to the use of batons, pepper sprays and restraint methods [38] did not disclose any autonomic cause behind the death, albeit problems like cardiac diseases and trauma was excluded from the extensive evaluation. [38] [4] [5]
Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric behavioral syndrome that is characterized by abnormal movements, immobility, abnormal behaviors, and withdrawal. The onset of catatonia can be acute or subtle and symptoms can wax, wane, or change during episodes. It has historically been related to schizophrenia, but catatonia is most often seen in mood disorders. It is now known that catatonic symptoms are nonspecific and may be observed in other mental, neurological, and medical conditions. Catatonia is now a stand-alone diagnosis, and the term is used to describe a feature of the underlying disorder.
Mania, also known as manic syndrome, is a mental and behavioral disorder defined as a state of abnormally elevated arousal, affect, and energy level, or "a state of heightened overall activation with enhanced affective expression together with lability of affect." During a manic episode, an individual will experience rapidly changing emotions and moods, highly influenced by surrounding stimuli. Although mania is often conceived as a "mirror image" to depression, the heightened mood can be either euphoric or dysphoric. As the mania intensifies, irritability can be more pronounced and result in anxiety or anger.
A mood stabilizer is a psychiatric medication used to treat mood disorders characterized by intense and sustained mood shifts, such as bipolar disorder and the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder.
Psychosis is a condition of the mind or psyche that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real. Symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations, among other features. Additional symptoms are incoherent speech and behavior that is inappropriate for a given situation. There may also be sleep problems, social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and difficulties carrying out daily activities. Psychosis can have serious adverse outcomes.
Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, behavior, judgment and evaluation, and memory. It is distinguished from neuropsychopharmacology, which emphasizes the correlation between drug-induced changes in the functioning of cells in the nervous system and changes in consciousness and behavior.
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Olanzapine, sold under the brand name Zyprexa among others, is an atypical antipsychotic primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. For schizophrenia, it can be used for both new-onset disease and long-term maintenance. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle.
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Stimulant psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by psychotic symptoms. It involves and typically occurs following an overdose or several day binge on psychostimulants; however, one study reported occurrences at regularly prescribed doses in approximately 0.1% of individuals within the first several weeks after starting amphetamine or methylphenidate therapy. Methamphetamine psychosis, or long-term effects of stimulant use in the brain, depend upon genetics and may persist for some time.
A dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) is a class of drug which acts as a reuptake inhibitor of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine by blocking the action of the dopamine transporter (DAT). Reuptake inhibition is achieved when extracellular dopamine not absorbed by the postsynaptic neuron is blocked from re-entering the presynaptic neuron. This results in increased extracellular concentrations of dopamine and increase in dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Psychomotor agitation is a symptom in various disorders and health conditions. It is characterized by unintentional and purposeless motions and restlessness, often but not always accompanied by emotional distress. Typical manifestations include pacing around, wringing of the hands, uncontrolled tongue movement, pulling off clothing and putting it back on, and other similar actions. In more severe cases, the motions may become harmful to the individual, and may involve things such as ripping, tearing, or chewing at the skin around one's fingernails, lips, or other body parts to the point of bleeding. Psychomotor agitation is typically found in various mental disorders, especially in psychotic and mood disorders. It can be a result of drug intoxication or withdrawal. It can also be caused by severe hyponatremia. The middle-aged and the elderly are more at risk to express it.
α-Methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT), or simply α-methyltyrosine, also known in its chiral 2-(S) form as metirosine, is a tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme inhibitor and is therefore a drug involved in inhibiting the catecholamine biosynthetic pathway. AMPT inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase whose enzymatic activity is normally regulated through the phosphorylation of different serine residues in regulatory domain sites. Catecholamine biosynthesis starts with dietary tyrosine, which is hydroxylated by tyrosine hydroxylase and it is hypothesized that AMPT competes with tyrosine at the tyrosine-binding site, causing inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase.
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Oneiroid syndrome (OS) is a condition involving dream-like disturbances of one's consciousness by vivid scenic hallucinations, accompanied by catatonic symptoms (either catatonic stupor or excitement), delusions, or psychopathological experiences of a kaleidoscopic nature. The term is from Ancient Greek "ὄνειρος" (óneiros, meaning "dream") and "εἶδος" (eîdos, meaning "form, likeness"; literally dream-like / oneiric or oniric, sometimes called "nightmare-like"). It is a common complication of catatonic schizophrenia, although it can also be caused by other mental disorders. The dream-like experiences are vivid enough to seem real to the patient. OS is distinguished from delirium by the fact that the imaginative experiences of patients always have an internal projection. This syndrome is hardly mentioned in standard psychiatric textbooks, possibly because it is not listed in DSM.
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