Question

A 17 year-old girl is admitted to a psychiatric unit after sudden onset of symptoms. According to her assessment, 2 weeks before her admission, she began experiencing frequent motor tics, shaking, and paralysis on her right side; she was evaluated by a team of doctors, but they were unable to account for her symptoms. Her history indicates a lack of mental health symptoms earlier in her life, no substance use or abuse, and her academic records indicate that she has been an honors' student since she entered high school. When the social worker interviews the girl, she states, ""I've just been really stressed SAT's are a week away and my whole future is riding on that."" What is the most likely diagnosis in this case?

A. Tourette's Disorder

B. Hypochondriasis

C. Somatization Disorder

D. Conversion Disorder"

Answer 1

The 17-year-old girl who started having unexplainable neurological symptoms such as motor tics and paralysis is likely facing Conversion Disorder, since the symptoms align with psychological stress rather than a neurological or genetic disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely diagnosis for the 17-year-old girl experiencing motor tics, shaking, and paralysis on her right side that cannot be accounted for medically, particularly in the context of stress about upcoming SATs, is D. Conversion Disorder.

Conversion Disorder is a mental condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. Symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological conflict and arise suddenly after such stress or conflict.