• Describe schizophrenia and categorize its symptoms
• Describe genetic, biological, and environmental factors that are associated with the development of schizophrenia
• Identify and differentiate the symptoms and potential causes of various dissociative disorders

Case Study: Aiden’s Story

Aiden is a 23-year-old Navy recruit who is the youngest of five siblings. Several relatives have described Aiden’s biological father as having long-standing “odd” behavior and periods of severe suspicion, and Aiden has had little contact with him.

Growing up, Aiden’s home life was highly structured and protective. He describes his mother as loving but very involved in everyday tasks—handling most household responsibilities and decisions. After graduating high school, Aiden joined the Navy because he wanted independence, stability, and a clear structure.

During training, Aiden struggled with sleep and felt constantly “on edge.” Over several weeks, he became increasingly withdrawn and started avoiding his shipmates. He told a friend that some people in his unit were “testing” him and that he needed to be careful because “they can read what I’m thinking.”

After a stressful incident during training, Aiden was evaluated at a medical facility. While there, he insisted that staff were recording him and that the facility was “a cover for something bigger.” He reported hearing voices late at night—whispering his name and commenting on what he was doing—especially when he was alone. At one point, he said he saw a figure in the hallway “standing there watching,” even though no one else saw anyone.

Aiden also stated that he had been chosen for “high-level clearance” and that his phone calls were being monitored because of what he “knows.” Clinicians diagnosed Aiden with schizophrenia after a full evaluation, including ruling out substance-related and medical causes.

1. Based on the case, identify one genetic risk factor and two environmental or psychological stressors that could have increased Aiden’s risk.

Show Answer

1. Genetic risk factor: Family history suggestive of psychotic symptoms in Aiden’s biological father, indicating possible genetic vulnerability.

2. Environmental/psychological stressors:

   • Major life transition and chronic stress associated with Navy training

   • Sleep disruption, which can worsen psychotic symptoms

   • Social isolation and increased pressure in a highly structured environment

2. Identify two examples of hallucinations in the case and name the type (auditory, visual, etc.).

Show Answer

1. Hearing voices whispering his name and commenting on his behavior → auditory hallucinations

2. Seeing a figure watching him in the hallway when no one is present → visual hallucination

3. Aiden believes staff are recording him and that people are monitoring his calls because he has “high-level clearance.” Identify two delusional themes shown here.

Show Answer

1. Beliefs that staff are recording him or plotting against him → persecutory delusions

2. Beliefs about having special status or secret knowledge → grandiose delusions

4. List two positive symptoms and one possible negative symptom suggested by the case.

Show Answer

1. Positive symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, suspicious/paranoid thinking

2. Possible negative symptom: social withdrawal (asociality), shown by avoiding shipmates

Choose a video to learn more about schizophrenia or to hear a story about someone's experience with schizophrenia:

Select a Video:Lauren’s story on living well with schizophreniaRich’s experience with schizophrenia

You can view the transcript for “My Experience with Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder” here (opens in new window).

You can view the transcript for “What’s it like to live with #schizophrenia?” here (opens in new window).