Am J Psychiatry 1984; 141:369-372
Copyright © 1984 by American Psychiatric Association
Reversible steroid dementia in patients without steroid psychosis
NR Varney, B Alexander and JH MacIndoe
Six patients developed dementia-like cognitive changes that appeared to
result from administration of steroid medications. Four of the patients
never showed symptoms of steroid psychosis; the remaining two continued to
show steroid dementia well after their steroid psychoses had resolved. The
dementia was characterized by deficits in memory retention, attention,
concentration, mental speed and efficiency, and occupational performance.
All six patients eventually recovered normal mental status following
discontinuation or reduction of steroid medications. Larger prospective
studies are needed to determine the prevalence and nature of the syndrome.
