Abstract
Objective. A case is reported of symptom substitution in a patient with a long-term history of mental disorders.
Case. The patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia 16 years earlier At present his medical records were analysed, with an emphasis on the diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment efficacy. An alteration in his symptomatology was noted. The patient's psychosocial functioning was assessed using clinical methods and psychological tests. Finally, bipolar affective disorder was recognised in this case.
Commentary. In patients with many years' past history of mental disorders a change ofsymptomatology is possible. An attempt was made to explain this phenomenon.