Also known as: Schizoaffective disorder
The central diagnosis of the episode. A 30-year-old woman presents with multiple physical symptoms (severe vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, fever, brain lesion appearance) that are eventually revealed to be side effects of risperidone, an antipsychotic she was taking for schizophrenia. She had hidden her diagnosis from her husband, creating the main dramatic conflict when the truth is revealed.
Also known as: SVT
The patient develops SVT at 150 bpm that does not respond to carotid massage or adenosine, requiring cardiac pacing. This is later revealed to be a side effect of her antipsychotic medication rather than a primary cardiac condition.
Also known as: Manic depression
Considered as a differential diagnosis when the patient develops delusions and altered mental status at age 30, which could represent first-time onset of bipolar disorder. This is ruled out when schizophrenia is confirmed as the underlying diagnosis.