Beyond what clinicians see: missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of a woman with autism spectrum disorder

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Apr 22;15(4):e246320. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246320.

Abstract

A young woman with autism spectrum disorder was admitted to the hospital via the emergency care unit. On being admitted, she was improperly diagnosed with a psychotic disorder due to her erratic behaviour and incomprehensible refusal to eat. As a result, the patient was hospitalised against her will. For accurate and correct diagnosis and treatment, it was necessary to collect the patient's detailed clinical history, while being hospitalised.

Keywords: Depressive disorder; Developmental paediatrocs; Psychiatry; Psychotic disorders (incl schizophrenia).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / complications
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Missed Diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders* / diagnosis