Diogenes syndrome: a case report

A rare syndrome, variously known as Diogenes syndrome (Clarke et al, 1975), senile breakdown (MacMillan and Shaw, 1966) and senile squalor, ischaracterized by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, tendency to hoard rubbish and a blissful unconcern about one's living condition. It is periodically encountered among the elderly, and debate continues regarding the exact cause of the condition. A typical case with severe frontal lobe atrophy is presented.