Harnessing neuroplasticity in Diogenes syndrome: A proposed mechanism to explain clinical improvement

Extreme neglect of one's living space and self-care is a perplexing condition termed Diogenes syndrome, where outcomes of intervention are often poor, with high relapse and mortality rates. Relatively little has been reported regarding management approaches. We present a case of Diogenes syndrome responsive to a structured behavioral paradigm during a hospital admission and speculate on the mechanism of neuroplasticity-based behavioral treatment in facilitating clinical improvement.