[Corticosteroids and culture: a case of acute cortico-induced psychotic episode]. / Corticoïdes et culture: un cas d'épisode psychotique aigu cortico-induit.

Psychiatric side effects secondary to corticosteroids have been described for a long time. Some reactions are severe, occurring in approximately 5% of patients. These side effects are more difficult to evaluate when corticosteroids are assumed without medical supervision, practicing self-medication influenced by some cultural factors. We here report the case of a young woman with acute corticosteroid-induced psychotic episode. The patient had assumed corticosteroids in an attempt to gain weight. We here highlight the role of diagnostic tests and early management of patients as well as of an effective multidisciplinary strategy, in particular when cultural involvement of patients occurs, as in the case of our patient.

Risperidone-induced priapism in an autistic child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Priapism is a prolonged stimulation with painful, persistent penile erection unaccompanied by sexual desire. It is a rare but serious urological emergency. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic widely prescribed for the treatment of behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. It seems associated with priapism in children. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 12-year-old Moroccan boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who developed priapism while on an existing regimen of risperidone, and we report the treatment decisions that followed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians who prescribe risperidone should be aware of the possibility of this rare complication in their patients. Information about this possible side effect and instructions regarding appropriate response should be made available to caregivers of those in the at-risk group of young patients.