Alice is a 52 year-old Caucasian who was brought to the emergency room by the police in a disheveled and disoriented state. Her clothing was dirty, and she smelled of alcohol..
Alice’s Case
Alice is a 52 year-old Caucasian who was brought to the emergency room by the police in a disheveled and disoriented state. Her clothing was dirty, and she smelled of alcohol. Currently, she is homeless and stays on the streets or in a shelter. When interviewed, Alice appeared guarded. She answered questions only minimally and her answers made little sense. She is concerned that the police “stole her baby.” The police officer who brought her in later provided a child’s baby doll that Alice says is her baby. Alice takes the doll with her at all times and cares for as if it were a real child. There is no evidence that Alice has ever been pregnant. Alice has a long history of psychiatric hospitalizations, and has been on psychotropic medications. When on the medications, her thought and speech eventually become clearer. She does not like the medications- she says that they make her tired and gain weight. Alice has some sores on her feet that she has not taken care of, and they appear infected.
