A 27-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department by His

question 47

Multiple Choice

A 27-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by his roommate, who found the patient barricading himself in a closet at home and saying, "They're coming to get me.  No one can be trusted."  The patient was laid off from his job and broke up with his girlfriend last month.  He has heard voices threatening to kill him a few times daily for the past 2 weeks.  He has no medical or psychiatric history and does not use alcohol or illicit drugs.  Physical examination and laboratory results are unremarkable.  On mental status examination, the patient is fearful and tense.  He describes being followed by men in black cars who are spying on him.  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

• A)Acute stress disorder
• B)Bipolar disorder with psychotic features
• C)Brief psychotic disorder
• D)Delusional disorder
• E)Paranoid personality disorder
• F)Schizophrenia
• G)Schizophreniform disorder
• H)Schizotypal personality disorder

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Definitions:

Family Life

The day-to-day interaction, relationships, and dynamics among members of a family unit.

Social and Educational Activism

Involvement in movements aimed at promoting changes in society and education to address and rectify inequalities and injustices.

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Margrit Eichler

A sociologist known for her contributions to the study of family, gender, and feminist theory, and her critical examination of social policies and structures.