Based on Emma's classroom behavior described as encircling herself with desks and shouting 'This will keep them out!', Emma is likely exhibiting symptoms of which disorder?

Based on Emma's classroom behavior described as encircling herself with desks and shouting 'This will keep them out!', Emma is likely exhibiting symptoms of which disorder?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Anxiety disorder
• C. Bipolar disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (A)

This pattern reflects psychotic-like symptoms such as delusions and disorganized behavior, which are characteristic of schizophrenia in youth. The idea that “this will keep them out” is a fixed, persecutory belief about safety, and surrounding herself with desks shows disorganized or unusual behavior aimed at acting on that belief. Anxiety disorders would typically show excessive worry and avoidance rather than a fixed belief about others’ intentions and a goal of barricading the environment. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive rituals, not a sustained persecutory delusion tied to blocking others from the room. Bipolar disorder centers on mood episodes, with periods of mania or depression rather than persistent psychotic-style thinking. So the described behavior best fits schizophrenia due to the combination of delusional thinking and disorganized, protective action.

This pattern reflects psychotic-like symptoms such as delusions and disorganized behavior, which are characteristic of schizophrenia in youth. The idea that “this will keep them out” is a fixed, persecutory belief about safety, and surrounding herself with desks shows disorganized or unusual behavior aimed at acting on that belief. Anxiety disorders would typically show excessive worry and avoidance rather than a fixed belief about others’ intentions and a goal of barricading the environment. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive rituals, not a sustained persecutory delusion tied to blocking others from the room. Bipolar disorder centers on mood episodes, with periods of mania or depression rather than persistent psychotic-style thinking. So the described behavior best fits schizophrenia due to the combination of delusional thinking and disorganized, protective action.