Question

Wendy is in her mid twenties and has become less and less able to perform her work at a local bank. She complains that her thoughts are unconnected and uncontrollable. She hears things that other people do not hear. She looks confused.

What information would you need to diagnose this client? Below are some potential diagnosis options. For each diagnosis, indicate the questions you would ask and the information you would gather to determine that the diagnosis was correct .

Psychotic Disorder:

Information you need to choose this diagnosis

Schizoaffective Disorder :

Information you need to choose this diagnosis

Schizophrenia :

Information you need to choose this diagnosis

Answer 1

Wendy is diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder which usually begins in late teen or in early adulthood years between the age group of 16 to 25 years. Also it is observed that women have more chances than men and it rarely occurs to children.

Symptoms are physiological , psychological, behavioural and some common symptoms. Major symptoms are auditory hallucinations like hearing voices of someone calling you, depressed episodes, delusions, loss of interest in doing activities ( disconnected and disengaged), thought disorder , racing thoughts ( uncontrollable thoughts), false belief . Common symptoms like speaking unknowingly and diet changes .

Schizoaffective disorder are supposed to occur in cycles indicating periods of improvement.This disorder is a combination of schizophrenia and mood disorder such as bipolar mood disorder or depression and symptoms are visible at same time or after some time .