Mistakes in the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

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.