Abstract

Introduction

Paranoia querulans is a type of persistent delusional disorder of the persecutory subtype, recognized under ICD-10 and DSM-IV. Being a classically described entity, evidence is lacking from its conceptualization as a nosological entity to diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, controversy still exists regarding its interplay between the judicial and mental health systems.

Objectives

To summarize current evidence and knowledge regarding Paranoia querulans on its conceptualization, ethiopathological explanations, therapeutical management and interface between psychiatry and the law.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken between June and October 2020 in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases according to PRISMA directive. Key-terms: ((querul* OR vexatious) AND (paranoia OR delusio* OR neuros* OR behavi* OR complai*) OR litig*) AND psychiatry. No language or time restrictions were established.

Results

A total of 1648 studies were initially identified (PubMed: 679; WOS: 945; Scopus: 24; other: 0); after duplicates were removed, n=1381 studies remained. After screening title and abstract, 56 studies were included. Their main content was categorized into: 1. Conceptualization (n=26): Neurosis (n=5), psychosis (n=9), behavioral disorder (n=5); no psychiatric diagnosis (n=7). 2. Descriptive psychopathology (n=8) 3. Etiopathogenesis (n=9): Social or personality basis (n=3), culture (n=4), trauma (n=1), cognitive decline (n=1) 4. Management (n=1) 5. Psychiatry and Law: same object, different objectives (n=12)

Conclusions

There is controversy regarding the nosological entity of querulousness, from psychosis to neurosis or behavioral disorders. Some authors consider this behavior to not be a psychiatric diagnosis. Furthermore, most papers dealt with a social or nurture-based origin. There is a dearth of information regarding treatment.

Conflict of interest

JPE has received CME-related fees from Lundbeck.

Details

Title
Vexatious litigant vs paranoia querulans: A systematic review
Author
Pinzón-Espinosa, J 1 ; González-Rodríguez, A 2 ; Guàrdia, A 3 ; Sabaté, M Betriu 4 ; Manozzo-Hernandez, P 3 ; A Alvarez Pedrero 5 ; Acebillo, S 5 ; Labad, J 6 ; D Palao Vidal 2 

 Salut Mental Taulí, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Sabadell, Spain; Department Of Clinical Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama; Department Of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain 
 Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital. Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). I3PT. CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain 
 Mental Health, Parc Taulí-University Hospital, Sabadell, Spain 
 Mental Health, Parc Tauli University Hospital, Sabadell, Spain 
 Mental Health, Parc Taulí University Hospital. Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). I3PT, Sabadell, Spain 
 Mental Health, Hospital of Mataró. Consorci Sanitari del Maresme. CIBERSAM., Mataró, Spain 
Pages
S381-S382
Publication year
2021
Publication date
Apr 2021
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
ISSN
09249338
e-ISSN
17783585
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2560893322
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.