A case of frequent absenteeism with delayed sleep phase syndrome

We reported a case of frequent absenteeism that developed into delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) over the course of the clinical observation. The patient showed personality and clinical characteristics typical of 'retreat neurosis'. However, his condition worsened immediately after catching a cold and he progressed into DSPS. At that point, his daily-schedule was irregular when assessed using social rhythm metrics (SRM) and he showed a delayed hour of minimum body core temperature. We hypothesize that both the patient's irregular life-style, which was caused by 'retreat neurosis', and an inherent vulnerability to DSPS may have led to the development of DSPS.