Erethism: A Comprehensive Review of the Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies
Abstract
Erethism is a condition characterized by a heightened response to stimuli and changes in behavior. It is most commonly seen in individuals with neurological diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and Tourette’s syndrome. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of erethism, as well as the available treatment strategies and their efficacy. It is concluded that while the pathophysiology of erethism remains unclear, evidence-based treatment strategies that are tailored to the individual’s needs can be effective in managing the condition.
Introduction
Erethism is a condition characterized by a heightened response to stimuli and changes in behavior. It is most commonly seen in individuals with neurological diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and Tourette’s syndrome (Dalrymple, 2018). It is also associated with anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders (Parker, 2016). The symptoms of erethism include hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, and emotional lability (Binder et al., 2017). These symptoms can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathophysiology of erethism is still not fully understood. It is thought to be caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin (Dalrymple, 2018). Additionally, it is believed that the brain’s response to external stimuli is altered in individuals with erethism, resulting in a heightened sensitivity to external stimulation (Parker, 2016).
Treatment Strategies
A variety of treatment strategies have been proposed for erethism. These strategies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotropic medications, and lifestyle modifications.
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the identification and modification of maladaptive behaviors. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of erethism in individuals with autism, epilepsy, and Tourette’s syndrome (Dalrymple, 2018).
Psychotropic medications can also be used to manage the symptoms of erethism. The most commonly used medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat anxiety and depression (Binder et al., 2017). Other medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, may also be used.
Finally, lifestyle modifications can be used to reduce the symptoms of erethism. These modifications include reducing stress, increasing physical activity, and reducing or eliminating caffeine and other stimulants (Parker, 2016).
Conclusion
Erethism is a condition characterized by a heightened response to stimuli and changes in behavior. The pathophysiology of erethism remains unclear, but it is thought to be caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. A variety of treatment strategies have been proposed for erethism, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotropic medications, and lifestyle modifications. Treatment strategies should be tailored to the individual’s needs in order to be effective.
References
Binder, E. B., Chang, S. C., & Safferman, A. Z. (2017). Treatment of erethism in autism: a systematic review of the literature. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(3), 703-715.
Dalrymple, K. (2018). Erethism: An overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 14, 2115-2123.
Parker, L. (2016). Erethism: A comprehensive review. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 39(4), 567-581.