Diogenes syndrome is a rare behavioural disorder of the elderly. Symptoms include living in extreme squalor, unhygienic conditions and a neglected physical state. Also observed are self-imposed isolation, refusal of external help and a tendency to accumulate unnecessary objects.Around half of these cases present with psychotic features, while the remainder have lifelong severe personality traits suggestive of paranoid personality disorder.

The authors report an interesting case of a patient presenting with Diogenes syndrome and syllogomania compulsorily admitted to our department. They also describe the investigation carried out, treatment approach, outcome and follow-up.

Diogenes syndrome is a rare clinical entity with high mortality observed in geriatric settings. The findings can be seen as normal and harmless traits of a healthy person and the patients often refuse medical assistance. This raises ethical issues on whether there should be a compulsory intervention.

There are no specific diagnostic criteria nor is there a consensus on the medical approach and treatment. The diagnosis is clinical and the available literature mostly relies on published case reports. With this report the authors hope to add to the growing evidence and thus contribute to a more global knowledge of the syndrome.