The patient is a twenty-two-year-old Electrical Engineering graduate who has been experiencing several unusual symptoms. Gradually, Fred’s behavior has changed; he has been less organized and less well-kempt than usual. He has also been seen talking to himself and responding to voices that no one else hears. He is becoming somewhat antisocial and unapproachable. When people try to talk to him, Fred yells at them to go away.
At home, Fred has been cutting out parts of the newspaper, drawing lines between the articles, and circling certain letters within the articles. Most of the articles revolve around the theme of death. In addition, his family has noted that Fred has not slept for about a week.
Hypothetical Diagnoses Based on the evidence …show more content…
It was thought that Fred had this disorder, because the disorder usually presents itself during early adulthood, which Fred is categorized under. Schizoaffective includes “marked symptoms of schizophrenia and a major depressive episode or manic episode” (Comer, 2016, p. 386). Fred’s symptoms were not attributable to the effects of a substance or medical condition, which is also a criterion for schizoaffective disorder. Although Fred was seen as unapproachable or aggressive at times, he did not consistently act like that. Overall, Fred cannot have schizoaffective disorder, because he does not experience mood changes or depression for long periods of time. Little outbursts of emotion are not enough to be considered schizoaffective disorder.
Actual Diagnosis
After evaluating Fred’s symptoms, he would most accurately be diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, which is “various psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, restricted or inappropriate affect, and catatonia” (Comer, 2016, p. 386). Symptoms usually last at least one month but less than six months, which falls into the same category as Fred’s symptoms. Schizophreniform disorder is known to have a genetic transmission, and his twin brother has been experiencing several of the same symptoms. He also does not experience bipolar, depressive, or other mood disorders.
At home, Fred has been cutting out parts of the newspaper, drawing lines between the articles, and circling certain letters within the articles. Most of the articles revolve around the theme of death. In addition, his family has noted that Fred has not slept for about a week.
Hypothetical Diagnoses Based on the evidence …show more content…
It was thought that Fred had this disorder, because the disorder usually presents itself during early adulthood, which Fred is categorized under. Schizoaffective includes “marked symptoms of schizophrenia and a major depressive episode or manic episode” (Comer, 2016, p. 386). Fred’s symptoms were not attributable to the effects of a substance or medical condition, which is also a criterion for schizoaffective disorder. Although Fred was seen as unapproachable or aggressive at times, he did not consistently act like that. Overall, Fred cannot have schizoaffective disorder, because he does not experience mood changes or depression for long periods of time. Little outbursts of emotion are not enough to be considered schizoaffective disorder.
Actual Diagnosis
After evaluating Fred’s symptoms, he would most accurately be diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, which is “various psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, restricted or inappropriate affect, and catatonia” (Comer, 2016, p. 386). Symptoms usually last at least one month but less than six months, which falls into the same category as Fred’s symptoms. Schizophreniform disorder is known to have a genetic transmission, and his twin brother has been experiencing several of the same symptoms. He also does not experience bipolar, depressive, or other mood disorders.