Pain insensitivity in psychosis.

Three cases of psychosis associated with pain insensitivity are reported. Two patients were diagnosed as schizophrenic, while one patient was diagnosed as manic. In each case, because of pain insensitivity, the underlying medical condition was not apparent. These cases resulted in a diagnostic pitfall, death, and a medicolegal suit. The patient who died was given haloperidol, a drug that may have analgesic activity. Pain complaints of manic and schizophrenic patients should be evaluated with great care.