AN EVALUATION OF MANIC-DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSIS IN THE LIGHT OF FOLLOW-UP STUDIES
PAUL HOCH M. D.1, and
H. L. RACHLIN M. D.2
1 Manhattan State Hospital, Ward's Island, N. Y.,
2 Psychiatrist in Charge, Bronx Mental Hygiene Clinic, Psychiatric Division, Bellevue Hospital.
Many cases which were originally diagnosed as manic-depressives were subsequently reclassified as schizophrenia.
Review of New York State and Federal statistics for other states show:
(a) Marked fluctuation in the number of manic-depressives as compared with dementia præcox and in relation to total admissions.
A complete reversal of the general trend in some states.
Special case studies reveal that errors in diagnosis result from the failure to apply the established criteria of symptomatology.
A need for periodic reconsideration of diagnosis is indicated.
