Personality Disorders

Pedro is a  20 year old male who was referred for counseling by his concerned mother. Pedro’s mother accompanied him to his first sesion to explain some of her concerns. According to his mother, Pedro is very withdrawn and rarely spends time with other people. She had hoped that beginning college would have been a fresh start for Pedro and that he would have developed a group of friends at his new school. Pedro’s mother became increasingly concerned about him when he recently stated that he wants to drop out of school and return home. When Pedro was given the opportunity in the therapy session to explain his perspective, he took a deep shaky breath before speaking. Pedro stated that he has been thinking about dropping out of school because he cannot bear being around other people. He said that he can remember feeling this way as a preadolescent but recognized that the situation had considerably worsened during his teenage years. Pedro explained that when around others he becomes preoccupied with fears that they are thinking negative thoughts about him. He notices constantly worrying that others are thinking he is a “loser” or that he is boring, and finds it terribly uncomfortable to be in social situations because of this. He rarely initiates conversations with others, believing that they will think that he is boring or unintelligent. Pedro stated that days may pass at college without him speaking to anyone at all. Recently, Pedro dropped one of his classes because the class required a group project and an oral presentation, which Pedro felt unable to do due to the social interaction involved. As a result of ongoing anxiety since beginning college, Pedro has developed an ulcer.

1. Based on your understanding of abnormal psychology, propose a diagnosis for Pedro.

2. Provide three pieces of clinical information to support your diagnosis. 

do not need to use or cite sources
clear, simple language