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How often is multiple sclerosis mistaken for a psychiatric disorder?
K Skegg1, P A Corwin, D C Skegg
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Psychological Medicine
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are initially misdiagnosed with psychiatric conditions. This study highlights diagnostic challenges and the need for careful evaluation of physical symptoms to avoid psychiatric misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be challenging due to varied and often subjective early symptoms.
- A significant number of patients with MS may present with symptoms initially attributed to psychiatric disorders.
Observation:
- In a population of 112,000, 91 patients were diagnosed with MS.
- 16% of MS patients were referred to psychiatrists before diagnosis.
- 11% of MS patients presented with symptoms later recognized as neurological but initially received psychiatric diagnoses.
Findings:
- Neurological symptoms of MS were misdiagnosed as psychiatric in 8 out of 10 cases.
- Diagnostic delays and errors may stem from symptom subjectivity, histrionic behavior, or co-occurring psychiatric disturbances.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for caution when referring patients with physical symptoms for psychiatric assessment.
- Suggests improved diagnostic protocols are necessary to ensure timely and accurate MS diagnosis.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering neurological conditions in patients with unexplained physical symptoms presenting in psychiatric settings.