Diagnosis of misdiagnosis: on some of the origins and functions of psychophysical misdiagnosis.

Four cases of Peripheral Neurological Disorders (PND) are reviewed as models of misdiagnosis. Weaknesses in the logical process of diagnosis formation, combined with the dismissive function of the diagnosis, may lead to psychiatric misdiagnoses such as hysteria. The same logical and emotional factors can prevent correction of misdiagnosis and thus the misery of the patient may continue. Comments are made about the dangers of misusing the diagnosis of hysteria.