Kandinsky-Konovalov syndrome (Kandinsky-Clerambo) is a type of hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome, also called mental automatism syndrome. This is a state of mind, which is characterized by alienation or loss of "self", the denial of their own mental processes (sensory, motor and mental).
This condition is combined with a sensation of the influence of some external force. Thus, the Kandinsky-Konovalov syndrome is defined as delusional, accompanied by a sensation of physical and mental impact, as well as delirium of persecution, a condition. Most often, this syndrome is observed with schizophrenia, but also occurs as a concomitant symptom, for example, with a disease such as Konovalov-Wilson's disease.
Among the neuropsychic manifestations of Wilson's disease are speech disorders, weak facial expressions, tremors, excessive salivation, and impaired coordination of movements. In Konovalov-Wilson's disease, in contrast to Konovalov’s syndrome, intelligence is fully preserved. However, impulsive behavior is observed, accompanied by aggressive reactions and manifestations of numerous phobias.
Wilson's disease is hereditary and is caused by a violation of the normal distribution of copper in the body, which leads to its accumulation in the body.This, in turn, is the cause of both liver damage (cirrhosis) and damage to the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The disease is accompanied mainly by damage to the liver and central nervous system with the involvement of the kidneys, as well as the eyes, in the pathological process.
Kandinsky syndrome. Clinical picture
Two main types of Kandinsky syndrome are distinguished, in accordance with the detection of symptoms of a certain type:
- with a predominance of delusions of influence (mental automatism), caused, as a rule, by a greater severity of the pathology of the sphere of thinking;
- with a predominance of neuro-hallucinatory disorders.
It is noteworthy that this syndrome occurs only in humans. The delusions of persecution and pseudo-hallucinations are realized in the patient’s imagination in a wide variety of ways: from hypnosis and witchcraft, to the technogenic effects of modern devices. For example, atomic energy or "electromagnetic radiation" emanating from a computer monitor screen.
The prognosis of overcoming such a condition as Kandinsky-Konovalov syndrome is extremely unfavorable.
In psychiatry, three types of mental automatism are distinguished:
- associative or ideative;
- sensory, or senestopathic;
- kinesthetic or motor.
Associative or ideational automatisms are the result of an imaginary effect on thought processes, as well as other types of mental activity. The simplest form of manifestation of associative automatisms is mentism, that is, an involuntary train of thought and perception, accompanied by a patient's sensation that his thoughts are known to everyone around him.
Sensory (senestopathic) automatisms include unpleasant sensations that arise in patients also allegedly as a result of extraneous exposure. They can be very different. For example, they may be manifested by a feeling of sudden onset of cold or heat, a feeling of pain “somewhere inside”, in the head or in the extremities.
Motor (kinesthetic) automatisms include disorders in which patients are convinced that the movements they perform are not made by themselves, but in addition to their will. Visual pseudo-hallucinations include the visions made: faces, images, panoramic pictures shown to the patient, as a rule, by his persecutors with the help of various technological devices.
Treatment of Kandinsky-Konovalov syndrome
For the treatment of periods of exacerbation of the syndrome, a complex of antipsychotics such as triftazine and haloperidol is used. In addition, with a positive effect of psychotropic drugs, the patient is necessarily treated by a psychotherapist with subsequent rehabilitation.
In contrast to a condition such as Kandinsky-Konovalov’s syndrome, treatment for Konovalov-Wilson’s disease is symptomatic. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of copper entering the body and to reduce the already existing reserves of this substance. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed a diet for life, which implies a complete rejection of foods rich in copper: legumes, coffee, chocolate, nuts and so on.
Drug treatment of Konovalov-Wilson's disease is carried out using drugs that remove copper from the body. For example, D-penicillamine, as well as zinc salts. In this case, treatment is prescribed strictly individually for each patient, but subject to a gradual increase in the doses of drugs.
Whatever the causes of various disorders in human behavior, the main reason for the transition of any mental disorder to a chronic form is the lack of proper attention to the person from relatives. In any case, the late diagnosis and the lack of appropriate treatment can lead to death of the patient.