Post-traumatic stress disorder masquerading as paranoid schizophrenia: Case report

The purpose of the paper is to present a case report which suggests that the emotional sequelae of overwhelming stress may result in long delayed psychotic-like symptomatology, and that the similarity to symptoms seen in schizophrenia may easily lead to misdiagnosis. The authors describe the initial diagnostic confusion and the resultant failure of the first treatment plan. The case is discussed with particular reference to the unique features of the Vietnam War.