[Chronic subdural hemorrhage in a patient with suspected schizophrenia prodrome]

Abstract

A patient showing "prodromal symptoms" of suspected psychosis was referred to our clinic specialized in early recognition of schizophrenia where an MRI brain scan showed a chronic subdural hemorrhage. Based on this case, it will be shown that organic brain disease, in addition to incipient schizophrenia, needs to be considered in patients with marked personality changes, social withdrawal, aggressiveness, and suspiciousness. Diagnosis of the first episode and prodromal stage of schizophrenia should include-apart from the case history as well as the psychopathological and physiological findings-certain obligatory medical examinations (EEG, cCT, or MRI) in order to identify possible organic causes and avoid misdiagnoses.