Jerry believes that the terrorist group Al Qaeda is monitoring his every thought, seeking to divide his personality into units that it can control. Jerry further believes that God has ordered him to go on a secret mission to prevent the terrorists from listening to his or other people's thoughts. For a preliminary hypothesis of how Jerry should be diagnosed, which disorder description BEST fits his symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jerry's symptoms are consistent with schizophrenia, particularly his delusions of being monitored and his belief in a secret mission. Dissociative identity disorder would involve distinct personalities, which is not mentioned in this scenario. Anxiety disorder and phobias may involve fear and paranoia, but not to the extent of delusional thinking.

Jerry Believes That the Terrorist Group Al Qaeda Is Monitoring