Eighteen year-old Patricia Wilson was taken to the North Shore emergency room by her family after she complained that she couldn't sleep because of the "voices" she heard. She couldn't really say what the voices were saying but the family reported that Patricia went on rambling and they could not understand her conversations. For the past six months Patricia's family tried to ignore these symptoms but became more worried as the symptoms continued. Their concerns became more emergent when Patricia started talking gibberish, giggled inappropriately, made silly faces, and neglected her hygiene and appearance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patricia's symptoms of hearing voices, talking gibberish, inappropriate giggling, making silly faces, and neglecting hygiene and appearance are indicative of positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Her family's report of her rambling and inability to understand her conversations suggests disorganized speech and thought, which are also characteristic of schizophrenia. Additionally, her symptoms have been present for six months, indicating a first episode of the disorder.

Eighteen Year-Old Patricia Wilson Was Taken to the North Shore