Mental illness that is difficult to classify: a case study.

A case is presented of a man who has been detained in secure psychiatric hospitals for the majority of his life. Although his index offence was minor he has a long history of violence. The patient has collected a vast number of diagnoses over the years. His treatment demonstrates a role for clozapine in ameliorating violent behaviour and aggression. We conceptualise this as being linked to the properties of this drug. From the patient's history we believe that reserpine may have had a similar effect to clozapine regarding mental state and reduction of violent behaviour. This case illustrates the consequences of inaccurate diagnosis and therefore the provision of adequate treatment. It highlights that the continuity of care and the communication of information is essential for the patient's quality of life. It also illustrates how the use of certain antipsychotics may prove essential in the control of violence so that institutionalisation can be prevented.