Discussion:
Diagnostic possibilities of an individual with delusions.
Given these symptoms, what are the diagnostic possibilities, including both psychiatric diagnostic possibilities and other causes? Keep your answer to a page or less. You don't need to discuss every detail of your treatment just indicate the possible etiologies in a general way and the steps you would take to diagnose, treat and manage this case. Write from the standpoint of a non-medical psychotherapist who does not prescribe medication.
Melinda is a 19-year-old young woman, in her first year at a state college. Both parents accompany her to your office. When she came home for spring break, she started talking nonsense, saying that the college's biology department is using a high powered laser to alter the DNA in her brain. She has always been an "A" student and has never shown any sign of psychiatric disturbance prior to this.