Katherine Anderson is a 25 year-old college student who was brought to the hospital emergency room after she had been seen ingesting some kind of pills at a sorority party earlier in the evening. As the party continued, she became increasingly confused and at one point had a seizure which prompted the emergency room visit. On evaluation, Katherine was tachycaridc, hypertensive, and her pupils were dilated. Throughout the exam she was fidgety, and smiling to herself. When asked, Katherine knew her name and was oriented to time, and place but admitted to hearing voices "but only when I'm partying." What would be the most likely diagnosis to consider for Katherine?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Katherine's symptoms, including tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils, confusion, and a seizure, suggest stimulant intoxication. The presence of perceptual disturbances (hearing voices) while maintaining orientation and awareness of her identity further supports the diagnosis of stimulant intoxication with perceptual disturbances.

Katherine Anderson Is a 25 Year-Old College Student Who Was