Case Studies
1. CASE STUDY: ALICIA
Alicia is a 28 year old female that has been referred for outpatient services after being admitted into an acute psychiatric ward for 5 days. Alicia complains of persistent numbness on the right side of her body, extending from her face down to her leg. Twice, Alicia was admitted into the hospital from the emergency room with a visible amount of paralysis on the right side of her face. After numerous tests, ruling out Bell’s Palsy and Parkinson’s disease, Alicia was sent home.
Alicia now complains that aside from the numbness in her body that she is now feeling considerable shortness in breath and chest aches. There is a history of heart disease, stroke and heart attacks on the maternal side of her family and recently, Alicia’s father had heart surgery. Since she was a child, her mother states, Alicia was a very sensitive person, very emotional and compassionate. Alicia often felt sorry for others that were less fortunate and ill. Mother reports that Alicia was often stricken with colds, fevers and pneumonia as a child and that she suffered socially, always being kept indoors and protected from bacteria and other germs. Alicia tends to be very shy, withdrawn and socially inept. Alicia has never dated and reports that she has no long term relationships with anyone other than her parents and immediate family. Alicia states she wishes she could mingle and find companions her age. Parents report that Alicia is very delicate and they demand that she be seen at least twice a week. Mother reports and supports Alicia in saying that there must be a medical reason for all her illnesses and complaints. Alicia becomes severely emotional when confronted with the number of negative tests that have been done. She will seclude herself and not eat, shower or speak with anyone and after a while turn from tearful to angry. “No one believes me but there is something seriously wrong with me” she cries during her hospital assessment.
Alicia’s parents
Alicia is a 28 year old female that has been referred for outpatient services after being admitted into an acute psychiatric ward for 5 days. Alicia complains of persistent numbness on the right side of her body, extending from her face down to her leg. Twice, Alicia was admitted into the hospital from the emergency room with a visible amount of paralysis on the right side of her face. After numerous tests, ruling out Bell’s Palsy and Parkinson’s disease, Alicia was sent home.
Alicia now complains that aside from the numbness in her body that she is now feeling considerable shortness in breath and chest aches. There is a history of heart disease, stroke and heart attacks on the maternal side of her family and recently, Alicia’s father had heart surgery. Since she was a child, her mother states, Alicia was a very sensitive person, very emotional and compassionate. Alicia often felt sorry for others that were less fortunate and ill. Mother reports that Alicia was often stricken with colds, fevers and pneumonia as a child and that she suffered socially, always being kept indoors and protected from bacteria and other germs. Alicia tends to be very shy, withdrawn and socially inept. Alicia has never dated and reports that she has no long term relationships with anyone other than her parents and immediate family. Alicia states she wishes she could mingle and find companions her age. Parents report that Alicia is very delicate and they demand that she be seen at least twice a week. Mother reports and supports Alicia in saying that there must be a medical reason for all her illnesses and complaints. Alicia becomes severely emotional when confronted with the number of negative tests that have been done. She will seclude herself and not eat, shower or speak with anyone and after a while turn from tearful to angry. “No one believes me but there is something seriously wrong with me” she cries during her hospital assessment.
Alicia’s parents