Schizophrenia Spectrum

When the symptoms for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are severe enough, they can cause individuals to lose their understanding of reality and their ability to function in their daily life.  The disorders affect the mind, inhibiting one?s ability to think, respond, communicate, and behave appropriately, making it difficult to make good judgments and remain in touch with reality.
  • Henry has shown up for therapy to explore why he temporarily became emotionally and mentally unstable following a difficult time at work. He explains that when confronted with troubles in his career, he mysteriously began experiencing severe symptoms, including confusion and hallucinations, and that his actions during this time led to significant personal and professional problems. He reports that the condition has passed, but he is deeply concerned that it will happen again, as he has no idea what caused it in the first place. It is up to the viewer to listen and observe the clues presented in Henry's session to figure out the potential diagnosis for his condition.  
  • Kira has arrived for therapy to discuss a recent incident where she displayed erratic, problematic behavior. She explains that, while attending a business conference, she made what she believed to be a significant personal, romantic connection with one of the guest speakers, a charismatic married man. Her developing obsession with the man ultimately leads her to pursue him in a cross-country trip, which ends with her being served with a restraining order by the man and his family. In observing Kira's explanation of her motivations and actions, viewers are encouraged to look for clues and symptoms that could lead to establishing a potential diagnosis.  
  • Paulina has come for therapy out of fear that the horrible symptoms she previously experienced might come back. She explains that after a lifetime of normalcy, she began experiencing significant emotional disturbances, which progressed to a point where she was having delusional thoughts and hallucinations. Eventually, the symptoms ceased, but she believes they will be back. By observing Paulina's therapy session directly, viewers are given an opportunity to hear her story, consider her words, and look for clues in her behavior that may indicate a potential diagnosis.  
  • Tyler presents for therapy in the midst of a mental crisis. He has began hearing voices in his head that inform him about conspiracies and deceptions happening around him and in his life. He believes what he is hearing to be true and explains how it has informed his actions and his thoughts. Tyler reports that he no longer maintains relationships with others and has allowed his delusions to take over. As the viewer watches the video, they observe Tyler's verbal and non-verbal behaviors that they can use to make a diagnosis.  
  • Sheryl is pursuing therapy to get answers about why she suddenly lost control of her emotional and mental state recently, resulting in 43 days of confusion, instability, and hallucination. During that time, she was unable to speak clearly or think in a logical manner, and she isolated herself completely from others. She goes on to explain that, since the symptoms ceased, she is now dealing with tremendous anxiety, as she worries about the condition returning. In observing Sheryl's mannerisms and considering her speech, viewers are able to find clues to decide what her diagnosis could be.  
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