Schizophrenia Case Study Essay

In the case of Josh, it is difficult to make a concrete diagnosis. Josh is experiencing what seem to be symptoms of PTSD, adjustment disorder and Grief. Josh experienced a recent life or death traumatic experience in which he witnessed his fiancé being killed and dying in his arms. Following this event, Josh has experienced recurring memories of the events and reliving it as if it is happening all over again. He has experienced nightmares almost every night, and quit his job due to his symptoms being unbearable around that area. He is withdrawn and irritable and has become detached and emotionally flat. All of these symptoms are characteristics of PTSD; however, they are also normal for a person who is grieving the lost of a loved one. Adjustment disorder can happen after a stressful event and usually resolves within 6 months. PTSD is diagnosed after experiencing the symptoms for over 30 days and can last more than 6 months. Grief on the other hand, can last years. …show more content…
These include thought or beliefs that he is “bad”, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequence of the events, blaming himself or others, feelings of fear, guilt, shame, anger, etc. Exploring if he is unable to feel any positive emotion, as well as exploring if he engages in reckless or destructive behaviors, and hypervigilance. Also questioning if he feels detached from himself; as if he is out of his own body or in a dream. Josh does not meet criteria for Acute Stress Disorder as he has been experiencing symptoms for over a