Rupak, a 22-year-old, unmarried man is suffering from sudden onset of third person hallucination for the past 12 days. He is suspicious of his relatives and close friends and is having reduced appetite and improper sleep. He is probably suffering from: September 2010
**Core Concept**
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. The disorder is typically marked by a combination of positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (reduced appetite, social withdrawal).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Rupak's symptoms of third-person hallucinations, suspiciousness towards relatives and close friends, reduced appetite, and improper sleep are classic features of schizophrenia. These symptoms have been present for 12 days, indicating a subacute onset. The presence of hallucinations and disorganized thinking patterns, such as suspiciousness, are characteristic of the disorder. The negative symptoms, including reduced appetite and sleep disturbances, further support the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Acute depression typically presents with mood disturbances, anhedonia, and changes in appetite, but it does not usually involve hallucinations or disorganized thinking.
**Option B:** Acute mania is characterized by elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, and increased energy, but it does not typically involve third-person hallucinations or suspiciousness.
**Option C:** Acute psychosis is a broad term that refers to a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, but it is not a specific diagnosis. Schizophrenia is a more specific diagnosis that encompasses a range of symptoms, including those present in Rupak.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Schizophrenia typically has a subacute onset, with symptoms developing over weeks or months. The disorder is often characterized by a combination of positive and negative symptoms, and it is essential to consider these symptoms when making a diagnosis.
**✓ Correct Answer: D. Schizophrenia**