Mistakes in the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
C. E. SCHORER M.D.1
1 Associate professor of psychiatry, Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Lafayette Clinic, 951 E. Lafayette, Detroit, Mich. 48207
Two groups of inpatients who were initially misdiagnosed are described. The pseudoschizophrenics showed little affect and had histories of exotic and sensational behavior; the initial misdiagnosis of schizophrenia appeared to be a moral censure. The pseudoneurotic schizophrenics (mistakenly diagnosed at admission as nonschizophrenic) had more affect and were frequently pregnant, affiliated with the medical profession, or twins; these diagnostic mistakes appeared to be attempts to protect someone from the label of schizophrenia.
