Andrea Simpson Case Study
This case study pertains to a female named Andrea Simpson of undisclosed age and undisclosed race who appears to be suffering with a binge eating disorder. What is known about Andrea is that she is a divorced woman past her mid-20’s who has since childhood struggled on and off with habits of excessive eating that have directly affected her weight. During a ten-month period, for example, Andrea gained 90 pounds; this happened about two years before coming for therapy this time around. Over the years, she has sought professional help to no avail, and reported that neither prescription nor illegal drugs provided any lasting relief for her. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control
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Andrea fulfills this criterion in that she reported “uncontrollable eating binges” such as often eating “several eggs with cheese, two or three slices of toast, and two large glasses of orange juice” for breakfast while in college. Several eggs with that much toast and juice might be appropriate for a competing athlete, but there is no evidence that Andrea is a competitive athlete. She also reported having then taken excessive amounts of food from the cafeteria back with her to her dormitory, which she then consumed in a matter of hours. Andrea also reported eating “boxes” of cookies among other food items excessively, further contributing to meeting this diagnosis …show more content…
Although no evidence of hallucinations, disorganized speech (agitated whispers aside), or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior was presented in the case study, delusional beliefs were reported in that Martin believed (1) to have a chip in his brain; (2) that the chip was implanted by aliens; (3) that speaking on his cell phone will activate the chip; and (4) that the chip is deadly. He has also accused his parents of conspiring together with the aliens who implanted the chip to murder him “so they can remove his brain and put it inside one of their own.” These delusions meet the first criterion of brief psychotic
Andrea fulfills this criterion in that she reported “uncontrollable eating binges” such as often eating “several eggs with cheese, two or three slices of toast, and two large glasses of orange juice” for breakfast while in college. Several eggs with that much toast and juice might be appropriate for a competing athlete, but there is no evidence that Andrea is a competitive athlete. She also reported having then taken excessive amounts of food from the cafeteria back with her to her dormitory, which she then consumed in a matter of hours. Andrea also reported eating “boxes” of cookies among other food items excessively, further contributing to meeting this diagnosis …show more content…
Although no evidence of hallucinations, disorganized speech (agitated whispers aside), or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior was presented in the case study, delusional beliefs were reported in that Martin believed (1) to have a chip in his brain; (2) that the chip was implanted by aliens; (3) that speaking on his cell phone will activate the chip; and (4) that the chip is deadly. He has also accused his parents of conspiring together with the aliens who implanted the chip to murder him “so they can remove his brain and put it inside one of their own.” These delusions meet the first criterion of brief psychotic