Past Issues

Objective: Godot syndrome is categorized as a variant of anxiety and a psychological
symptom of dementia. We present a case of Godot syndrome in an elderly
patient with pseudo-dementia. The patient’s Godot syndrome and dementialike
symptoms were improved progressively after receiving treatment with an
antidepressant. Case report: A 70-year-old widow presented with Godot syndrome
and dementia-like symptoms after her husband’s death. She became extremely
dependent on others and caused a severe burden for her caregiver. Her
symptoms started to subside after three months of medication treatment and she
recovered her normal functioning to the premorbid level. Conclusion: If the fi rst
appearance of Godot syndrome and memory complaints occur in a patient’s late
life, pseudodementia should be included in the differential diagnosis. The use of an
adequate course of an antidepressant treatment is included in the initial work up
for any patient who is suspected to have dementia. The timely diagnosis and the
right treatment fully improved the patient’s symptoms.