Most people who are diagnosed with a medical condition such as chlamydia would react in a way that Jerry did. He felt very depressed and was scared that he might develop something graver. This is not unusual, but Jerry often had preoccupied thoughts long before he was diagnosed. In this case, Jerry exhibits non bizarre delusions of being infected with a disease by an immigrant. He often had fears about being contaminated and about contaminating his family members. Jerry also has non bizarre delusions about having HIV. He is infected with chlamydia, but he has almost obsessive fears that he will develop HIV or AIDS. He calls the HIV hotlines and is tested twice, but both tests come back negative. I thought that Jerry might have Paranoid Schizophrenia, but he did not meet any of the criteria from category A. Jerry does not seem to behave in an odd way aside from his somatic delusions. Upon hearing Jerry’s case, I thought to rule out a delusional disorder only because he seemed to be suffering from these delusions because of the medication he was taking. Reading further, we learn that Jerry has been suffering long before his stint with the prostitute and before he was given any medication. Jerry has thoughts that he will contaminate his family and develop HIV or AIDS and he is also suicidal, which is a common problem in people who suffer from Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Axis I: 297.1 Delusional Disorder Somatic Type
Axis II: v71.09 No Diagnosis
Axis III: Diagnosed with Chlamydia
Axis IV: pressure by parents to be “chosen son”; alcoholic father; peer pressure