JOHN NASH'S SCHIZOPHRENIA: DIAGNOSIS CHALLENGED

John Nash, subject of the film "A Beautiful Mind", may have been misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, according to UNSW Professor of psychiatry, Gordon Parker.

Professor Parker will present a conference paper in Melbourne today outlining why he believes Nash is more likely to have had a bipolar disorder.

"The number of patients with bipolar disorder being misdiagnosed as schizophrenic could be as high as 20%. This is of great concern because a significant number of people are missing out on adequate treatment," he warned.

"While distinction between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is not always straightforward, psychotic or bizarre features don't necessarily indicate schizophrenia. It is important that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder be considered, and reconsidered, for many people who experience psychotic disorders," said Professor Parker.

"Bipolar disorder affects nearly half-a-million Australians over their lifetime and its incidence appears to be increasing. Once diagnosed, it is generally very responsive to medication."

Gordon Parker is Scientia Professor, School of Psychiatry, UNSW; Director of the Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital; and author of 'Dealing with Depression: A Commonsense Guide to Mood Disorders' (2002).

CONTACT DETAILS: Annabel Day, UNSW Public Affairs & Development, tel. 9385 3644 or mob. 0425 207 024.