HOSA Behavioral Health Assessment Practice Test

When evaluating a patient with PTSD who intentionally ingests a pen, the diagnosis that most closely aligns with this behavior is Munchausen syndrome. This condition is characterized by a pattern of deliberately producing or feigning symptoms of illness in order to gain attention, sympathy, or reassurance. Individuals with Munchausen syndrome often engage in extreme and sometimes harmful actions to create the appearance of being sick or injured.

In this scenario, the act of intentionally ingesting a foreign object like a pen may be an extreme method of seeking medical attention, reflecting underlying psychological distress or a desire for care and concern. Those suffering from Munchausen syndrome often have a complex relationship with their health and may feel compelled to engage in such risky behaviors to fulfill their needs for validation or support.

Other potential diagnoses, such as borderline personality disorder, drug-seeking behavior, and malingering, do not adequately explain the specific intent behind the action of ingesting a pen in the context of PTSD. While these conditions each have unique characteristics that involve attention-seeking or manipulation regarding health, the specific behavior of ingesting an item as a means of creating illness aligns more closely with the motivations present in Munchausen syndrome.