CRITICAL REVIEW

SCENARIO 3

Theme: Psychosis

Background:

Daniel is a 20-year-old Kamilaroi male who is in his second year at university. Daniel currently is employed part time at a local restaurant and lives in share accommodation. Both of Daniel’s parents are school teachers, but are very active in the Indigenous community. Daniel has very strong connections with his family and community but has found university a struggle as he is away from them.

Daniel is struggling to submit his assessments and has been feeling very negative about people and life in general. He is having trouble sleeping and is becoming increasingly withdrawn. More recently, he has failed 2 of his subjects and is facing failing 2 more as he has not been able to submit his assessments.

Past medical/ psychiatric history:

Daniel grew up on country and was born in the local hospital. He experienced middle ear infections when he was a young child, however this was treated appropriately and he did not sustain permanent hearing deficits. There is a family history of diabetes on his maternal side but no other medical concerns of note. Daniel’s cousin died by suicide at the age of 24 following a “psychotic episode”.

Current presentation:

A few weeks ago, he began having some strange experiences. For example, he began seeing people out of the corner of his eye who were looking straight at him, but who were not there when he looked again. He was also sure there was someone yelling at him and calling his name loudly in his ear. It seemed like every radio announcer was talking directly to him on the radio and telling him what to think or what to do. His housemates have become increasingly concerned as Daniel has been heard yelling at “nothing” and has been holding “bizarre” conversations with them.