Brief Psychotic Disorder: Case Study

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Describe how the new information alters the picture presented in the original case study. Before posting, you might want to review Ben Part 1, the case you discussed last week (u06d2).

This new information concerning Ben has now provided evidence for some kind of psychotic episode. His behavior is uncharacteristic for him. His past history and family history bring up more cause for concern. With his medical records concerning his prior auto accident, physical damage is no longer a primary concern.

Describe your new diagnostic hypotheses, and justify your conclusions.

The clinician would have to rule out Brief Psychotic Disorder, because the previous episode in college lasted for 8 months (APA, 2013). Schizophreniform Disorder would also be ruled out because the episode in College lasted for longer than 6 months (APA, 2013). To meet the criteria for schizophrenia he must meet two of the criteria in category A (APA, 2013). He is clearly delusional, with the comments about his boss, his past behavior with the research paper, but he does not really meet any of the other criteria (APA, 2013). Perhaps he has disorganized speech, but that would need to be evaluated. The conversations we have had with him are brief due to his resistance. …show more content…

His function is not markedly impaired. He does seem to be forgetting things, like starting his car, remembering plans, and getting himself organized. He did eat his cereal with his hand. He has irritable and dysphonic moods and displays anger and violent behavior, which is common in persecutory type delusions (APA, 2013). Spontaneous and random assault is not common with schizophrenia unless the person has a violent past (APA, 2013). Ben’s wife states he is not violent. His outburst at the party could be interpreted as a random

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