2005 suplement 1

Back

Volume 14, suplement 1

Case report

A diagnostic error or evolution of symptoms?

KRZYSZTOF STAŃKOWSKI1, ALEKSANDRA LEKSOWSKA1, Jerzy Matysiakiewicz1
1. II Katedry i Oddziału Klinicznego Psychiatrii Śląskiej Akademii Medycznej w Tarnowskich Górach
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2005; 14 (supl. 1/20): 60-106
Keywords: schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, diagnostics

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.

Address for correspondence:
Dr Krzysztof Stańkowski, II Katedra i Oddział Kliniczny Psychiatrii Śląskiej Akademii Medycznej, ul. Pyskowicka 49, 42-600 Tarnowskie Góry