Her employer brings a 27-year-old lady to the emergency department because she has been more nervous and disorganized over the previous year. The patient is a housekeeper who has had increasing trouble executing her job duties. She has grown increasingly secretive over the last six months, and she has recently begun speaking in hushed tones because she fears listening devices are hidden in the walls. She began hiding food and personal items in closets and beneath mattresses during the last month. The patient does not drink alcohol or use illegal substances. The vital signs are steady, and the physical exam is uneventful. She switches subjects repeatedly during the conversation and rambles about voices pestering her. Which of the following additional mental status findings is most likely in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Patients with schizophrenia typically display negative symptoms such as flat affect in addition to positive psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganization (ie, lack of facial expression). Negative symptoms are more resistant to therapy and frequently remain between acute psychotic episodes.

Her Employer Brings a 27-Year-Old Lady to the Emergency Department