The original publication is available at http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmejMany doctors dislike patients presenting with psychiatric
symptoms. This may lead to less careful examination and less
precise laboratory testing. When routine examinations and
tests are declared normal, the patients are medically cleared,
and many diseases are missed. The patient is rapidly referred
to a psychiatrist who may inappropriately treat for a non-existent
psychiatric disorder. To avoid diagnostic disasters, it is
essential to remember that psychiatric and behavioural symptoms
are nonspecific. Other causes must be excluded before
any psychiatric treatment begins.Publishers’ versio
