Psych Scenarios
Explore the scenarios below by category. Each tab contains 10 detailed scenarios with interactive matching games, quizzes, and in-depth differential diagnosis explanations.
Anxiety & Anxiety-Related Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Over the last six months, Angela has been plagued by persistent worries about her job performance, her parents’ health, and her finances. She experiences difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, muscle tension, and an upset stomach.
Possible Diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Adjustment Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Rationale: The chronic, multi-domain worry lasting over six months with physical symptoms supports a diagnosis of GAD.
Best initial pharmacological treatment?
Miguel experiences sudden, overwhelming surges of fear that make his heart race and leave him short of breath. Convinced he is having a heart attack, he frequently visits the emergency department despite negative cardiac evaluations.
Possible Diagnoses: Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder with panic attacks.
Rationale: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with persistent worry about recurrence point to Panic Disorder.
First-line treatment for Panic Disorder?
Joanne is so fearful of driving over bridges that she avoids any route that might involve one. The mere sight of a bridge triggers sweating, dizziness, and tremors.
Possible Diagnoses: Specific Phobia (situational type).
Rationale: The intense, specific fear and avoidance behavior toward bridges suggest a specific phobia.
Initial treatment for specific phobias?
Raj becomes extremely anxious and nauseous when he must speak in front of colleagues. In meetings he shakes, stumbles over words, and sometimes leaves abruptly due to fear of being judged.
Possible Diagnoses: Social Anxiety Disorder.
Rationale: The fear of public speaking and being negatively evaluated is characteristic of Social Anxiety Disorder.
First-line treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder?
Harriet worries incessantly about her teenage son’s safety, calling him multiple times every hour and imagining catastrophic events if he doesn’t respond immediately.
Possible Diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Rationale: Excessive, pervasive worry over her son’s well-being is typical of GAD.
Best treatment option?
After witnessing a violent machine malfunction, Brandon now experiences panic attacks triggered by unexpected loud noises. He carries earplugs everywhere to feel safe.
Possible Diagnoses: Panic Disorder.
Rationale: Recurrent panic attacks triggered by specific stimuli are consistent with Panic Disorder.
Initial treatment recommendation?
Marie has begun to avoid grocery stores due to fear of crowds. Whenever she thinks about entering, she imagines fainting or losing control.
Possible Diagnoses: Agoraphobia.
Rationale: Avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult (crowded stores) supports agoraphobia.
What is an appropriate treatment?
Calvin experiences intense fear at the mere sight of a spider—even in a textbook photo—causing him to tremble and avoid the room.
Possible Diagnoses: Specific Phobia.
Rationale: The marked fear of spiders is typical of a specific phobia.
Which therapy is most effective?
Julia is excessively nervous around coworkers, constantly worrying they are judging her and avoiding social gatherings.
Possible Diagnoses: Social Anxiety Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent fear of scrutiny and avoidance of social situations is characteristic of social anxiety.
Appropriate initial treatment?
Dante is terrified of flying—so much so that he has turned down several job promotions requiring travel. The mere thought of boarding a plane causes nausea and shaking.
Possible Diagnoses: Specific Phobia.
Rationale: The intense, irrational fear of flying indicates a specific phobia.
Best treatment strategy?
Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Olivia’s hands are raw from constant, compulsive handwashing due to an overwhelming fear of contamination.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The insight into her excessive behavior combined with distress from contamination fears is typical of OCD.
First-line treatment?
Trevor checks his door and stove multiple times (at least 20 times) before leaving home, unable to shake the “what if?” thoughts.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The repetitive checking behaviors and intrusive thoughts are hallmark features of OCD.
Initial management?
Marisol is tormented by intrusive thoughts that she might run over a pedestrian if she drives, leading her to completely avoid driving.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The distressing intrusive thoughts with resultant avoidance behavior are typical of OCD.
Effective treatment?
Beatrice’s home is cluttered with old magazines and newspapers that she cannot bear to discard, despite family concerns for safety.
Possible Diagnoses: Hoarding Disorder.
Rationale: The inability to discard items despite clutter interfering with daily life is characteristic of hoarding.
Most effective therapy?
Aaron feels compelled to arrange his belongings in perfect symmetry. Even a slight misalignment causes him intense distress.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The need for order and symmetry with resultant distress is typical of OCD.
Appropriate treatment?
Danielle is tormented by recurring thoughts of inherent immorality and feels compelled to confess her minor mistakes repeatedly to seek reassurance.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The compulsive need to confess and the intrusive nature of the thoughts point to OCD.
Best management?
Heidi has developed a habit of skin picking when stressed, often to the point of bleeding, leaving her with visible scars.
Possible Diagnoses: Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder.
Rationale: The repetitive skin picking behavior causing tissue damage is consistent with Excoriation Disorder.
Best treatment approach?
George unconsciously pulls out his eyebrows and eyelashes when anxious, leaving him with noticeably thinning hair.
Possible Diagnoses: Trichotillomania.
Rationale: The repetitive hair pulling behavior, although not fully controlled, is typical of Trichotillomania.
Recommended treatment?
Sonia obsesses over the shape of her nose, scrutinizing her reflection for hours each day despite reassurance from plastic surgeons.
Possible Diagnoses: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
Rationale: The preoccupation with a perceived flaw in appearance, despite evidence to the contrary, is classic for BDD.
Appropriate first-line treatment?
Damian insists on reciting a silent prayer exactly seven times before leaving his house, restarting if he makes any mistake.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Rationale: The ritualistic behavior and anxiety about breaking the ritual point to OCD.
Optimal treatment?
Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Six months after surviving a severe building fire, Elena suffers from nightmares, avoidance of fire-related cues, and hypervigilance.
Possible Diagnoses: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Rationale: Prolonged re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event are characteristic of PTSD.
Initial treatment recommendation?
Marshall, after being laid off from a 25-year career, feels hopeless, withdrawn, and expresses a bleak outlook on life.
Possible Diagnoses: Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.
Rationale: The reaction to a significant life change with persistent depressive symptoms supports Adjustment Disorder.
Best initial management?
After a severe car accident where a close friend was injured, Aisha experiences flashbacks and avoids riding in vehicles.
Possible Diagnoses: Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) if within one month, or early PTSD.
Rationale: The recent traumatic event and acute symptoms point to ASD.
Best treatment strategy?
Paul, a combat veteran, experiences explosive nightmares and hypervigilance, and avoids large crowds.
Possible Diagnoses: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Rationale: The history of combat exposure combined with re-experiencing and avoidance is typical for PTSD.
First-line treatment?
Kelly experienced a painful breakup and failing grades, leaving her overwhelmed with sadness and anxiety, though not meeting full criteria for major depression.
Possible Diagnoses: Adjustment Disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.
Rationale: The acute reaction to stressful events fits with Adjustment Disorder.
Appropriate intervention?
Greg lost his home in a hurricane and now experiences overwhelming anxiety during storms, even with gentle breezes.
Possible Diagnoses: PTSD or Adjustment Disorder (depending on duration and severity).
Rationale: His anxiety is directly linked to a past traumatic event, making PTSD likely.
Initial management?
Nina witnessed an armed robbery and now avoids the neighborhood and anyone wearing hooded sweatshirts, experiencing recurrent nightmares.
Possible Diagnoses: PTSD.
Rationale: The re-experiencing of the traumatic event and avoidance of reminders point to PTSD.
Recommended treatment?
Following a tumultuous divorce and relocation, Oliver experiences persistent anxiety and sadness, with difficulty concentrating at his new job.
Possible Diagnoses: Adjustment Disorder.
Rationale: The symptoms occur as a reaction to significant life changes.
Best initial approach?
Sophia, who survived a plane crash, experiences intrusive flashbacks and becomes panicked at any mention of flying.
Possible Diagnoses: PTSD.
Rationale: Intrusive re-experiencing and avoidance of trauma reminders are key features of PTSD.
Recommended treatment?
Devin, who was bullied throughout high school, now experiences intense anxiety around groups of peers reminiscent of his past tormentors.
Possible Diagnoses: PTSD.
Rationale: Persistent anxiety related to reminders of past trauma is consistent with PTSD.
Appropriate management?
Somatic Symptom & Related Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Roberta frequently visits the ED complaining of chest pain and palpitations, though all her workups are normal.
Possible Diagnoses: Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent physical symptoms with negative workups indicate a somatic focus.
Initial treatment?
Dominic reports debilitating back pain with minimal imaging findings, and is frustrated that doctors dismiss his pain.
Possible Diagnoses: Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Rationale: Excessive concern about physical symptoms despite minimal objective findings is characteristic.
Best initial approach?
Eva is convinced she has a rare degenerative muscle disease due to occasional twitching, despite repeated normal evaluations.
Possible Diagnoses: Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent fear of serious illness despite normal tests is typical of illness anxiety.
First-line treatment?
After a heated argument with his boss, Mitchell woke with total numbness in his right hand despite normal neurological evaluations.
Possible Diagnoses: Conversion Disorder.
Rationale: The sudden neurological deficit with no organic cause is characteristic of conversion disorder.
Optimal treatment?
Charlotte complains of chronic headaches, stomach issues, and fatigue despite multiple negative evaluations by specialists.
Possible Diagnoses: Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent symptoms with extensive medical evaluations pointing to no organic cause support this diagnosis.
Initial management?
Nelson repeatedly comes to the ER claiming he’s coughing up blood despite no objective findings, and an empty bottle of ipecac is later found.
Possible Diagnoses: Factitious Disorder.
Rationale: Deliberately producing or feigning symptoms for attention is characteristic of Factitious Disorder.
Management plan?
Tanya experiences sudden episodes of dizziness and partial hearing loss when criticized at work, which disappear when away from the stressful environment.
Possible Diagnoses: Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Rationale: The situational nature of her symptoms aligns with a somatic disorder.
Appropriate intervention?
Clifford calls an ambulance nearly every month for chest pain, and an empty bottle of ipecac suggests he may be inducing symptoms.
Possible Diagnoses: Factitious Disorder.
Rationale: Self-induced symptoms to secure hospital admission indicate Factitious Disorder.
Initial management?
Ramona is convinced she has a brain tumor due to a family history, and despite multiple negative MRIs, she continues to worry excessively.
Possible Diagnoses: Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent preoccupation with having a serious illness despite negative tests is typical of Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Best treatment option?
After hearing he might fail a certification exam, Keith experiences sudden paralysis in both legs with no evidence of neurological damage.
Possible Diagnoses: Conversion Disorder.
Rationale: The sudden onset of neurological symptoms without an organic basis is typical of Conversion Disorder.
Initial management?
Dissociative Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Iris is found wandering in a nearby town with no memory of her identity, appearing terrified and disoriented.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Rationale: Sudden loss of identity and wandering behavior are characteristic of DID.
Initial treatment recommendation?
Toby witnessed a catastrophic accident but cannot recall any details of that day, leaving him distressed when questioned.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Amnesia.
Rationale: Inability to recall traumatic events is a classic sign of dissociative amnesia.
Optimal treatment?
Laurel experiences episodes in crowded lecture halls where she feels as if she is floating outside her body, observing herself.
Possible Diagnoses: Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder.
Rationale: The out-of-body experience and emotional numbing are characteristic of this disorder.
Initial treatment recommendation?
Damara finds unexplained charges on her credit card and new clothes in her closet she doesn’t recall buying, with gaps in her memory.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Amnesia.
Rationale: Memory gaps and unexplained behaviors point toward dissociative amnesia.
Best treatment?
Vincent’s family reports that he sometimes speaks in a child’s voice and uses a different name, only to later have no recollection of these episodes.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Rationale: Abrupt personality shifts with amnesia for the episodes indicate DID.
Recommended treatment?
During a meeting, Hannah felt as if she were watching the conversation from a corner of the room, hearing her own voice as if it belonged to someone else.
Possible Diagnoses: Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder.
Rationale: The dissociative experience during a stressful event is typical for depersonalization/derealization.
First-line treatment?
Lewis suddenly leaves his home state, checks into a hotel under a different name, and later “snaps back” with no recollection of his actions.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Fugue.
Rationale: Unplanned travel and amnesia regarding the episode point to dissociative fugue.
Optimal treatment?
Pamela frequently experiences episodes of lost time—leaving home in the morning and arriving somewhere else with no memory of the journey.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Amnesia.
Rationale: Gaps in memory for daily events are characteristic of dissociative amnesia.
Best treatment approach?
After witnessing a harrowing family dispute, Adrian has no memory of the event and becomes anxious when it is mentioned.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Amnesia.
Rationale: Memory loss for a traumatic event is typical of dissociative amnesia.
Initial treatment?
After leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, Colette sometimes finds herself identifying with an entirely different persona, complete with a new name and style.
Possible Diagnoses: Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Rationale: The emergence of distinct identities with amnesia for alternate states is indicative of DID.
Recommended management?
Bipolar Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Jonah displays a manic episode with grandiose spending, minimal sleep, and rapid speech—just two weeks after a severe depressive episode.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The presence of a full manic episode following depression confirms Bipolar I.
Initial treatment for mania?
Michelle has been redecorating her entire house and making large impulsive purchases, followed days later by severe depressive symptoms.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The clear manic episode with subsequent depression fits Bipolar I.
Appropriate treatment?
Caleb has felt exceptionally confident and energetic over the past four days, tackling major work tasks with minimal sleep.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The full-blown manic symptoms point to a manic episode consistent with Bipolar I.
Best initial treatment?
Sasha had a severe manic episode six months ago requiring hospitalization and now experiences prolonged periods of deep depression.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The history of a severe manic episode with subsequent depression confirms Bipolar I.
Treatment option?
Gregory experiences week-long manic phases with rapid speech and little sleep, followed by periods of deep depression that impair his functioning.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The pattern of extended manic episodes followed by severe depression fits Bipolar I Disorder.
Best initial treatment?
Allie experiences bursts of high energy, talkativeness, and risky spending for a few days at a time, alternating with brief low mood.
Possible Diagnoses: Cyclothymic Disorder.
Rationale: The cyclic pattern with less severe mood shifts suggests cyclothymia.
Appropriate treatment?
Damion cycles through extreme mania lasting about ten days, followed by severe depression that hinders his self-care.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The clear manic and depressive episodes confirm Bipolar I Disorder.
Initial treatment?
Ramona has experienced multiple episodes of severe depression interspersed with short periods of elevated mood that are not as extreme.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar II Disorder.
Rationale: The hypomanic periods that do not require hospitalization combined with major depressive episodes indicate Bipolar II.
Initial management?
Terrence has become irritable, hyperactive, and sleeps only three hours each night, following a recent depressive episode.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The current manic symptoms following a depressive period are consistent with Bipolar I.
Best treatment option?
Victoria impulsively spent her rent money on a lavish trip and later experienced deep sadness and guilt, describing a life lived at two emotional extremes.
Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I Disorder.
Rationale: The marked shifts from euphoria to depression indicate bipolar pathology.
Initial management?
Depressive Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Camila experiences overwhelming guilt, loss of interest in hobbies, difficulty getting out of bed, and significant weight loss.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: Persistent depressed mood and associated symptoms point to MDD.
Best initial treatment?
Robert used to love running marathons and playing online games with friends, but now he finds no joy in either. He sleeps for twelve or more hours a day, awakening to lingering fatigue and a sense of emptiness. He also admits to having fleeting thoughts about whether life is worth living, though he hasn’t made any plans.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: Loss of interest in activities, hypersomnia, and pervasive emptiness are indicative of MDD.
Best initial treatment?
A first-year college student, Melanie feels overwhelmed by her new environment. For the past three weeks, she has been tearful, hopeless, and unable to concentrate on her studies. She fears she is a burden to her family and has little hope for her future.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: The acute onset of depressive symptoms in the context of a major life transition indicates MDD.
Appropriate intervention?
Grant no longer finds joy in daily activities, even from visits with his beloved grandchildren. He often wakes up at three in the morning and struggles to fall back asleep, leaving him exhausted during the day. He frequently expresses that life holds no meaning.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: Early morning awakening and pervasive anhedonia are common features of MDD.
Best initial management?
Lucia has felt chronically down for the past two years. Although she manages to hold a job, she lives under a constant cloud of sadness and low self-esteem, rarely experiencing moments of genuine happiness.
Possible Diagnoses: Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) also known as Dysthymia.
Rationale: Long-term, chronic depressive symptoms that do not fully meet the criteria for MDD suggest PDD.
Appropriate treatment?
After losing his wife to illness a year ago, Connor has sunk into a prolonged state of grief that resembles major depression. He often neglects his self-care and has begun giving away personal possessions, though he denies any suicidal intent.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: Profound grief and self-neglect following a significant loss are common in MDD.
Initial management?
Paloma complains of near-constant fatigue and a diminished capacity for decision-making. Although she remains employed, she feels trapped in a continuous state of negativity that has become her "normal."
Possible Diagnoses: Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).
Rationale: Long-term low-grade depressive symptoms are characteristic of PDD.
Best treatment?
Andre was fired from his job six weeks ago and now feels worthless and hopeless. He struggles to motivate himself to search for new work despite encouragement from his family.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: The acute depressive reaction following a significant job loss is indicative of MDD.
Best initial management?
Shauna’s grades have dropped drastically and she isolates herself in her room all day. She expresses feelings of being unloved and hopeless and has mentioned thoughts of self-harm. Once an avid dancer, she has quit her team.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: The significant social withdrawal and self-harm ideation in an adolescent are concerning for MDD.
Initial management?
Evan has become increasingly irritable and unmotivated, preferring to lie in bed after work rather than engage in social or intimate activities. He occasionally entertains dark thoughts about whether his family would be better off without him, though he denies any plan.
Possible Diagnoses: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Rationale: The pervasive depressive symptoms and social withdrawal are consistent with MDD.
Appropriate treatment?
Eating Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Jennifer meticulously tracks every calorie and exercises excessively, yet despite being underweight, she insists she is still “fat” and fears weight gain.
Possible Diagnoses: Anorexia Nervosa (Restricting type).
Rationale: The fear of weight gain combined with restrictive eating is characteristic of anorexia.
Initial treatment approach?
Ryan’s roommates have noticed he frequently disappears into the bathroom immediately after meals. Ryan admits that he feels overwhelming guilt after eating and resorts to purging in order to maintain control of his weight.
Possible Diagnoses: Bulimia Nervosa.
Rationale: The binge-purge cycle with normal body weight is characteristic of bulimia.
Best initial treatment?
Marina periodically experiences uncontrollable binge episodes where she consumes large amounts of fast food and snacks in secret. Following these binges, she is overwhelmed by shame and self-loathing, and her weight has gradually increased over the past year.
Possible Diagnoses: Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Rationale: Recurrent binge eating episodes without compensatory purging behaviors are characteristic of BED.
Initial management?
Caroline frequently checks her appearance in the mirror, fixating on perceived problem areas. She employs extreme diets, cleanses, and appetite suppressants to control her figure, and even a slight increase on the scale triggers drastic restrictive measures.
Possible Diagnoses: Anorexia Nervosa (Binge/Purge type).
Rationale: The extreme preoccupation with body image and dietary restriction is characteristic of anorexia.
Best initial treatment?
Derrick avoids eating dinner with his family, claiming he has no appetite. His baggy clothes hide a rapidly thinning frame, and his parents have noticed that he often appears dizzy and weak, indicative of significant weight loss.
Possible Diagnoses: Anorexia Nervosa.
Rationale: Refusal to eat with family and significant weight loss in a teenager are classic signs of anorexia.
Initial management?
Lydia frequently engages in late-night binges on sweets, consuming thousands of calories in one sitting. In the morning, she feels overwhelming guilt and then attempts to restrict her diet, only to fall back into the binge cycle when stressed.
Possible Diagnoses: Bulimia Nervosa.
Rationale: The binge-restrict cycle with intense guilt is characteristic of bulimia.
Initial treatment?
Thomas adheres strictly to a regimen of 'clean eating' with rigid rules about food purity. He refuses to dine out or participate in social events where he cannot verify every ingredient, leading to nutritional deficits.
Possible Diagnoses: Orthorexia (non-official classification).
Rationale: Extreme preoccupation with food purity and rigid dietary restrictions suggest orthorexia.
Best management?
After a tough day at work, Mei binges on large quantities of snacks and then forces herself to run for hours the following morning to burn off the extra calories. This cycle leaves her exhausted most of the time.
Possible Diagnoses: Bulimia Nervosa.
Rationale: The cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behavior (excessive exercise) is indicative of bulimia.
Initial treatment?
Georgina often sneaks snacks into her room and eats until she is uncomfortably full. In the morning, she feels deep shame and sometimes skips breakfast to compensate.
Possible Diagnoses: Binge Eating Disorder (BED).
Rationale: The recurrent binge episodes and compensatory behaviors point to BED.
Initial management?
Although Wes appears very fit as a personal trainer, he secretly binges on junk food after stressful sessions with clients and then fasts for an entire day to compensate, fearing that any deviation from his strict fitness routine might ruin his image.
Possible Diagnoses: Bulimia Nervosa.
Rationale: The hidden bingeing followed by compensatory fasting behavior is typical of bulimia.
Initial treatment?
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Carson’s teacher reports that he can’t stay seated, frequently wanders the classroom, and interrupts other children.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type.
Rationale: The hyperactivity and impulsivity in a young child point to ADHD.
Initial treatment?
Melissa sits quietly in class but often misses entire instructions due to daydreaming. Her grades have suffered as she frequently forgets to submit assignments.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Inattentive type.
Rationale: Inattentiveness and forgetfulness without marked hyperactivity are common in ADHD – Inattentive type.
Appropriate treatment?
Jordan consistently leaves projects half-finished, forgets due dates, and frequently misplaces important assignments. His teachers note his underachievement despite his claims that he tries hard.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Combined type.
Rationale: The combination of inattentiveness and hyperactivity indicates ADHD – Combined type.
Initial treatment?
Holly cannot stop fidgeting in class, frequently tapping her foot and clicking her pen. She struggles to wait her turn and often becomes irritable when her peers interrupt.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type.
Rationale: The prominent hyperactivity and impulsivity are indicative of ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type.
Appropriate management?
Trevor is impulsive and often grabs toys from his classmates during playtime. He has difficulty following the rules during games and frequently gets into conflicts on the playground.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type.
Rationale: Early presentation of impulsivity and hyperactivity in a young child is typical of ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive type.
Initial treatment?
Alicia often drifts off during lectures and forgets her homework, arriving at school unprepared. While she excels in art, her performance in other subjects suffers due to her inattentiveness.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Inattentive type.
Rationale: Predominant inattentiveness with minimal hyperactivity is indicative of ADHD – Inattentive type.
Appropriate management?
Edward is known for his impulsive remarks that sometimes hurt his peers' feelings and for having difficulty remembering multi-step instructions from his teacher.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Combined type.
Rationale: The mix of impulsivity and inattention is indicative of the combined subtype of ADHD.
Appropriate treatment?
Maribel starts her homework enthusiastically but quickly shifts her attention to social media or reorganizing her desk, resulting in incomplete assignments and poor academic performance.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Combined type.
Rationale: Constant distractibility and difficulty completing tasks are characteristic of ADHD – Combined type.
Initial management?
Isaiah procrastinates until the last minute, resulting in hastily completed assignments. He is restless in class and frequently steps out without permission to take breaks.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Combined type.
Rationale: The symptoms of procrastination, restlessness, and impulsivity are typical of ADHD – Combined type.
Appropriate treatment?
Nora frequently blurts out jokes and disrupts lessons, and although she apologizes afterwards, her inability to control her impulses affects the classroom environment.
Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Inattentive type.
Rationale: While Nora is disruptive, her main issues stem from inattentiveness and impulsivity, suggesting ADHD – Inattentive type.
Appropriate management?
Personality Disorders
Scenarios
Possible Diagnoses
Dina’s relationships are turbulent. One moment she adores her partner and the next accuses them of betrayal, accompanied by self-harm threats if abandoned.
Possible Diagnoses: Borderline Personality Disorder.
Rationale: The intense, unstable relationships and fear of abandonment are classic features of BPD.
Initial treatment?
Frederick is convinced his coworkers gossip about him and undermine his efforts, interpreting even innocuous comments as deliberate insults. He remains isolated at work, harboring persistent suspicions.
Possible Diagnoses: Paranoid Personality Disorder.
Rationale: Persistent distrust and suspicion of others are key features of Paranoid Personality Disorder.
Best initial treatment?
Miranda thrives on being the center of attention, dressing dramatically and exaggerating stories to capture everyone's interest. Without the spotlight, she becomes anxious and withdrawn.
Possible Diagnoses: Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Rationale: An excessive need for attention and dramatic behavior are characteristic of Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Initial management?
Leo is obsessed with control and precision, meticulously creating to-do lists for every aspect of his daily life. Any deviation from his plans causes him significant distress and anger.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
Rationale: A preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control is a hallmark of OCPD.
Best initial treatment?
Sophie constantly calls her friends for advice on even minor decisions, fearing she cannot manage life on her own. The thought of being alone fills her with panic.
Possible Diagnoses: Dependent Personality Disorder.
Rationale: Overwhelming need for reassurance and fear of abandonment are indicative of Dependent Personality Disorder.
Initial management?
Marco manipulates others with charm and wit to get what he wants, showing little remorse for his actions. His history of unethical behavior in previous jobs is well known.
Possible Diagnoses: Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Rationale: A consistent pattern of manipulative behavior and lack of remorse is typical for Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Appropriate treatment?
Ariana is consumed by perfectionism at work, obsessively checking every detail of her paperwork and rarely relaxing. Her inability to delegate tasks has affected her productivity and relationships with coworkers.
Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
Rationale: An overwhelming need for perfection and control is indicative of OCPD.
Initial management?
William appears indifferent to both praise and criticism and avoids social interactions whenever possible. He prefers working alone and rarely expresses his emotions, leaving colleagues feeling that he is detached.
Possible Diagnoses: Schizoid Personality Disorder.
Rationale: A pattern of social detachment and emotional coldness is characteristic of Schizoid Personality Disorder.
Appropriate treatment?
Cassandra firmly believes she possesses psychic abilities and often references cosmic energies in casual conversation. Her eccentric behavior and unconventional beliefs make it difficult for her to form close relationships.
Possible Diagnoses: Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
Rationale: Eccentric beliefs, odd behavior, and social isolation are common in Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
Initial treatment?
Ethan expects special treatment at work, frequently boasting about his achievements and reacting angrily to any criticism. His behavior isolates him from colleagues and contributes to a tense work environment.
Possible Diagnoses: Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Rationale: An inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and hypersensitivity to criticism are hallmarks of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.