Simulation 10 Flashcards
(38 cards)
The sister of a 26-year-old man, Alex, contacted you upon referral from a former client. She was concerned about the well-being of her brother. He was a graduate student in a doctoral physics program at a major university, and had been doing well academically throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. Recently, however, he had stopped attending classes, and university staff and friends had begun to call and voice concerns about his increasingly “odd” behavior. By the time she was able to drive out and see Alex, the sister was surprised to find his apartment a jumbled mess. Unwashed clothing was strewn about, half-eaten food containers were everywhere, and spoiled food was in the refrigerator. Old apparently unpaid bills, junk mail, and partially completed homework papers littered the table and floors throughout the apartment. Looking at some of the papers, she could see that his writing often trailed across the pages in nonsensical gibberish. Calculations ran down the sides and backs of the pages and seemed to consist either of circular recapitulation, or else of formulas and mathematical operations only partially completed, over and over again. When she greeted her brother, she found him to be as disheveled as the apartment. His hair was unkempt and his teeth unbrushed, his clothes were smelly and rumpled, and he hadn’t shaved in what appeared to be some time. The sister is asking what she should do next.
The sister of a 26-year-old man, Alex, contacted you upon referral from a former client. She was concerned about the well-being of her brother. He was a graduate student in a doctoral physics program at a major university, and had been doing well academically throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. Recently, however, he had stopped attending classes, and university staff and friends had begun to call and voice concerns about his increasingly “odd” behavior. By the time she was able to drive out and see Alex, the sister was surprised to find his apartment a jumbled mess. Unwashed clothing was strewn about, half-eaten food containers were everywhere, and spoiled food was in the refrigerator. Old apparently unpaid bills, junk mail, and partially completed homework papers littered the table and floors throughout the apartment. Looking at some of the papers, she could see that his writing often trailed across the pages in nonsensical gibberish. Calculations ran down the sides and backs of the pages and seemed to consist either of circular recapitulation, or else of formulas and mathematical operations only partially completed, over and over again. When she greeted her brother, she found him to be as disheveled as the apartment. His hair was unkempt and his teeth unbrushed, his clothes were smelly and rumpled, and he hadn’t shaved in what appeared to be some time. The sister is asking what she should do next.
What was the initial concern of Alex’s sister?
Concern for her brother’s well-being due to his odd behavior and neglect of personal hygiene.
What academic program was Alex enrolled in?
Doctoral physics program.
What signs of neglect were found in Alex’s apartment?
Unwashed clothing, spoiled food, unpaid bills, junk mail, and disorganized homework.
What abnormal behavior did Alex exhibit regarding his meals?
He believed poison was being put in his food.
What did Alex think about his heating unit?
He believed it was a conduit for spirits that troubled him.
What psychiatric symptoms did Alex display?
Auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, and deteriorating hygiene.
How long had Alex’s symptoms been worsening?
For a couple of months.
What was the sister’s perception of Alex’s psychiatric history?
He had no prior psychiatric history but was prone to stress.
What mood status did the sister report for Alex?
Agitated, suspicious, and anxious.
What was the ideal response to Alex’s situation?
Suggest an immediate office visit for further evaluation.
What was NOT a recommended action regarding Alex’s situation?
Have the sister call the police.
What is the significance of Alex’s self-injury?
It was a result of a command auditory hallucination.
What role did Alex’s trust fund play in his situation?
It covered his education, indicating he had no employment history.
What does the term ‘command auditory hallucination’ refer to?
Hallucinations that instruct the individual to perform actions, often harmful.
Fill in the blank: The client’s behavior included neglect of _______.
[personal hygiene and cleanliness]
True or False: Alex had been under a physician’s care at the time of the assessment.
False.
What were the potential risks associated with Alex’s situation?
Risk of losing utilities and further deterioration of mental health.
What type of hallucinations did Alex experience?
Both auditory and visual hallucinations.
What was indicated as a good referral option for Alex’s situation?
Local Adult Protective Services program.
What did the sister describe about Alex’s communication patterns?
Reluctant to speak and often nonsensical.
What was the score associated with suggesting an immediate office visit?
+3.
What did Alex’s writing often consist of?
Nonsensical gibberish, calculations, and incomplete formulas.
What did the sister indicate about Alex’s substance abuse history?
She was unaware of any substance abuse history.
