This is a major drawback of the research as symptoms vary from individual to individual and just single case studies do not shed much light on the cause of Diogenes Syndrome. Majority of the case studies are of a single person rather than a group of different cases. Whatever data that is available about Diogenes Syndrome is through case studies. Experts are still studying this condition to understand the exact causes of it. Īs stated, there is very little data in terms of research for Diogenes Syndrome. However, some of the habits of people with this condition clearly point towards self-neglect like not interested in taking a bath or cleaning the house is a clear evidence of self-neglect.

This is the reason why the symptoms of Diogenes Syndrome are difficult to assess. For example, eating with hands is a norm for people in the Indian Subcontinent but is considered as unhygienic in the western part of the world. However norms for self-hygiene are variable and differ from culture to culture. These individuals live in unhygienic conditions which is why they tend to have variety of health problems. Such individuals also tend to hoard things. Self-neglect and social isolation is extremely common in people with Diogenes Syndrome. Generally, Diogenes Syndrome occurs with other mental disorders like dementia. It results in the individual having extremely poor hygiene causing health as well as social issues. Diogenes Syndrome is a psychologic condition where the patient lacks self-care and even does not take care of the surroundings.

Diogenes syndrome.