The undoing of a diagnosis. The effect of a misdiagnosis of a disease.

Eighteen children who had been diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis (CF) in earlier years were found to be normal and have been inappropriately diagnosed. Removal of the diagnosis from the child involved a movement through stages in the family from disbelief to anger before comfortable acceptance of normalcy in their child. Diagnosis of a chronic disease involves complex alterations in perception of self and family. The long-range effects of such an improper diagnosis may influence behavior and development.