Question

A couple comes into the emergency room. The wife says that her husband has become convinced that she is cheating on him, and that it is not true. He has been following her, smelling her clothing, going through her purse, and making regular accusations. He does not meet criteria for a mood disorder. He denies other psychotic symptoms. Medical and substance abuse history are negative. What is his diagnosis?

A. Schizophrenia
B. Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
C. Delusional disorder
D. Delirium
E. Dementia

Answer 1

The husband's symptoms suggest a diagnosis of Delusional disorder (C). Delusional disorder is characterized by persistent non-bizarre delusions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The husband's symptoms, including the delusion of the wife's infidelity, following her, smelling her clothing, going through her purse, and making accusations, suggest a diagnosis of Delusional disorder (C).

Delusional disorder is characterized by persistent and non-bizarre delusions that are not due to another mental disorder or substance abuse. This disorder does not meet criteria for schizophrenia since it lacks other psychotic symptoms and does not meet the duration criteria.

Additionally, the absence of symptoms of mood disorder and negative medical and substance abuse history further supports the diagnosis of delusional disorder.