The Hypothetical Patient
Katie is a 22 year old patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Growing up, she lived a very quiet and sheltered childhood, with a few friends, and no interest in dating. She grew up in a family that placed high standards on academic success, faith, and hard work. High pressure was constantly placed upon her to do well, especially in comparison to her two very successful older brothers. After only a few brief months in college, Katie began experiencing auditory hallucinations along with major depression. She exhibited a very flat affect and loss of energy. This continued for the next six months, causing her to drop out of school and move back in with her disappointed parents. Her symptoms worsened to the point of slow movement and communication, finally resulting in her parents consulting a psychologist. When investigating her family illness history, it was found her great grandmother was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Patient Diagnosis and Discussion
Katie’s diagnosis for schizoaffective disorder is characterized by persistent symptoms of psychosis resembling schizophrenia with additional periodic symptoms of mood (or affective) …show more content…
Within the diathesis-stress model, if a certain threshold is met by a combination of predisposed factors and stress, the person will develop the disorder. In Katie’s case, she had a risk factor as her great grandmother had schizophrenia, potentially causing a genetic predisposition. This factor combined with the recent major life change and stress associated with moving to a new city to start college most likely triggered her psychotic break. The psychological pressures she placed on herself and from her family members all contributed to the development of the
Katie is a 22 year old patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Growing up, she lived a very quiet and sheltered childhood, with a few friends, and no interest in dating. She grew up in a family that placed high standards on academic success, faith, and hard work. High pressure was constantly placed upon her to do well, especially in comparison to her two very successful older brothers. After only a few brief months in college, Katie began experiencing auditory hallucinations along with major depression. She exhibited a very flat affect and loss of energy. This continued for the next six months, causing her to drop out of school and move back in with her disappointed parents. Her symptoms worsened to the point of slow movement and communication, finally resulting in her parents consulting a psychologist. When investigating her family illness history, it was found her great grandmother was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Patient Diagnosis and Discussion
Katie’s diagnosis for schizoaffective disorder is characterized by persistent symptoms of psychosis resembling schizophrenia with additional periodic symptoms of mood (or affective) …show more content…
Within the diathesis-stress model, if a certain threshold is met by a combination of predisposed factors and stress, the person will develop the disorder. In Katie’s case, she had a risk factor as her great grandmother had schizophrenia, potentially causing a genetic predisposition. This factor combined with the recent major life change and stress associated with moving to a new city to start college most likely triggered her psychotic break. The psychological pressures she placed on herself and from her family members all contributed to the development of the