A nurse is working with a client who is displaying disproportionate fear of having cancer. The nurse notes the client is seeking out medical care more frequently, has high anxiety, and believes they have cancer, despite no medical evidence to support this. Which of the following disorders is the client likely experiencing?

A. Hallucinations. Hallucinations, particularly auditory hallucinations, are one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. They involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices.
B. Inability to initiate activities. While this may be a feature of schizophrenia, it is not one of the primary diagnostic criteria. This symptom may be related to negative symptoms but is not specifically required for diagnosis.
C. Antisocial personality. Antisocial personality disorder is a separate diagnosis and not a symptom of schizophrenia. The presence of antisocial personality traits does not fulfill the criteria for schizophrenia.
D. Lack of emotional expression. This symptom, often referred to as flat affect, is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia and can contribute to the diagnosis, as it indicates diminished emotional responsiveness.
E. Disorganized behavior. Disorganized behavior, including disorganized speech and erratic actions, is a key symptom of schizophrenia and is part of the diagnostic criteria.
F. Impaired interpersonal relationships. While impaired relationships may result from the symptoms of schizophrenia, this is not a specific criterion for diagnosis. The focus is on the presence of specific symptoms such as hallucinations, disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms like lack of emotional expression.

A. "My ex-partner constantly makes fun of my weight." This statement reflects emotional abuse, as body-shaming can damage self-esteem and create feelings of worthlessness. Constant criticism about appearance is a form of psychological manipulation and control.
B. "My ex-partner tells me that I can't do anything right." Emotional abusers often undermine their victims’ confidence by making them feel incompetent or incapable. This type of verbal degradation can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.
C. "I recently was promoted at work but now I'm unable to work with the same coworkers I was used to working with." While workplace changes can be stressful, this does not indicate emotional abuse. There is no mention of manipulation, belittlement, or control by another person.
D. "I am newly divorced and a single parent." Divorce and single parenting can be challenging, but they do not inherently signify emotional abuse. Emotional abuse involves a pattern of controlling, belittling, or manipulative behavior from another individual.
E. "I suppose I really do need to be on medication, like my ex-partner said." This statement suggests that the ex-partner may have manipulated the client into doubting their own mental stability. Gaslighting—making someone question their own reality—is a common tactic in emotional abuse.
F. "My friend recently passed away." Grief can contribute to emotional distress, but the loss of a friend does not indicate emotional abuse. Emotional abuse involves deliberate psychological harm from another person.