“This patient hasn’t been here in years, and I’m going to read over his record before I see him,” said Dr. Smith. “Would you like to go in and talk to him until I come in?” “Sure,” I responded. I knocked and entered, introduced myself as a medical student and asked the patient why he’d come into the clinic that day. While he responded, I realized there was something different about this man, though I couldn’t put my finger on it. Our conversation was normal enough, but his mannerisms and appearance seemed strange. After a short time Dr. Smith entered and our conversation ended.
As the visit continued, I found my mind being dragged back to the Kerrigan Auditorium – back to a Medical Neuroscience lecture! This patient only left his apartment if absolutely necessary – social isolation. He was unshaven, unkempt, and wore ill fitting clothing – poor hygiene. He used to be very active in sports and other activities, but is now very inactive – lack of motivation and anhedonia. He avoided coming to the doctor for years because he believes something bad will happen to him – paranoia. Social isolation, poor hygiene, lack of motivation, anhedonia, paranoia – these are all symptoms of schizophrenia. As it turns out, the patient had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and major depression years earlier. After some impressive interviewing/motivating performed by Dr. Smith, we left the room.
Dan Cieslak
2014
