Sickle Cell Patient and Addiction to Tramadol: Case Management in Senegal

Abstract

Introduction: Tramadol* is a synthetic opioid agonist used as an analgesic. Despite its minor potential of addiction, it created recently a lot of concern. Its misuse may be motivated by a need to control the pain or by looking for her euphoric character. The aim of our study was to proceed a psychopathological reading of a case of addiction to Tramadol in a sickle cell patient with histrionic personality traits. Methods: We report the case’s management of a patient with addiction to Tramadol in a sickle cell patient with histrionic personality traits. The diagnosis was based on the DSM IV criteria. The review was done in the model of semi-structured interviews. Observation: Miss DP is 23 years old, sickle cell patient (AS profile). It is addressed to us for the management of an excessive consumption of Tramadol* started 4 years ago. Because of the difficulties of care in outpatient, we conducted hospitalization. The interviews highlight the histrionic personality traits and disruption of family dynamics. Discussion: Painful chronic diseases require a long analgesic treatment. It is a factor of dependence specially when the patient has a personality disorder. Multidisciplinary treatment between psychiatrist and addiction specialist and medical doctor is a guarantee of success.