Mobius syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder: a case report

Psychiatr Danub. 2019 Sep;31(Suppl 3):376-380.

Abstract

Background: Mobius syndrome is characterized by a bilateral congenital paralysis of the facial and abducens nerves which leaves the subject with an expressionless "mask-like" face.

Subjects and methods: Based on a literature review and a case discussion of an adult patient with Mobius syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, initially undiagnosed and confused with a psychotic disorder, we will discuss the influence of Mobius syndrome in psychiatric evaluations.

Results: The lack of facial expressiveness and non-verbal emotional interactions may influence psychiatric evaluations and result in misdiagnosis and the inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics. In the case analysis, we also observed other associated malformations such as renal atrophy, a bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse.

Conclusion: We feel that educating the patient about the communicative consequences of impaired facial expressions and facial interactions is a necessary prerequisite for any psychiatric or psychological evaluation in subjects with Mobius syndrome. We also recommend using caution when prescribing antipsychotics in patients with Mobius syndrome given the motor side effects secondary to a potentially pre-existing hypotonia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Facial Expression
  • Humans
  • Mobius Syndrome / complications*
  • Mobius Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Mobius Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Mobius Syndrome / pathology
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / complications*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / pathology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents