Myasthenia gravis: the problem of a "psychiatric" misdiagnosis

Patients with myasthenia gravis are commonly misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric disorder; this leads to considerable delay in reaching the correct diagnosis and in instituting appropriate and effective treatment. Patients who are most at risk are those with somatic presentations (limb weakness, fatigue) in contrast to ocular or bulbar presentations. Similarly, those who manifest anger or anxiety traits are more likely to be misdiagnosed.