Neuropsychiatric diagnosis on a short-term treatment service

The evaluation of suspected neuropsychiatric disorder in a series of 17 patients is described. The heuristic value of DSM-III's multiaxial approach is noted. The use of routine and neuropsychological tests, EEGs, CAT scans, T-3 and T-4 tests, and lumbar puncture, in conjunction with prolonged behavioral observation in a stable, therapeutic milieu, provided the means for clarification of neuropsychiatric illness in this series of complex cases. The value of CAT scans, neuropsychological tests and of prolonged behavioral observation in selected cases is discussed.