Question

A client continues to stalk a man whom she met briefly 3 years ago. She believes he loves her and eventually will marry her and has been sending him cards and gifts. When she violates a restraining order he has obtained, a judge orders her to undergo a 10-day psychiatric evaluation. What is the most probable psychiatric diagnosis for this client?

1. Delusional disorder — jealous type
2. Induced psychotic disorder
3. Delusional disorder — erotomanic type
4. Schizophreniform disorder

Answer 1

The most likely diagnosis for the client who believes the man she met briefly loves her and will marry her, despite evidence to the contrary, is Delusional disorder — erotomanic type.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most probable psychiatric diagnosis for the client who has been stalking a man she met briefly 3 years ago, believing he loves her and will marry her, is Delusional disorder — erotomanic type.

Delusional disorder, erotomanic type, is characterized by the false belief that another person, often of higher status, is in love with the individual. This delusion persists despite evidence to the contrary and is not due to the effects of a substance or another medical or psychological condition. The behaviors described, such as violating a restraining order and sending cards and gifts, are in line with the actions of someone who has this type of delusional disorder.