Serita has experienced psychotic symptoms that have not yet significantly impacted her ability to function, but they are still concerning. According to Serita's mom, Serita suddenly began experiencing these symptoms about four months ago, when they seemed to come on suddenly. Serita seems to have very flat affect and to be confused by her experiences. Given this information, which diagnosis is most appropriate?

The correct answer is: schizophrenia.

Explanation:

According to the text, there are two main symptoms: very flat affect and confusion by own experiences. Besides, the symptoms seem to have appeared suddenly, without a trigger.

Flat affect refers to the apparent lack of emotion and is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Flat affect can also be present in other psychiatric disorders, like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) but, unlike schizophrenia, PTSD has a specific cause that traumatizes the person and triggers the condition (like fighting in a war or being abused, for example), and Serita's symptoms appeared suddenly.

The state of confusion may also indicate that she loses touch with reality, which is an indicator of psychosis - a spectrum of disorders in which schizophrenia is included-.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by an abnormal way of thinking, feeling and behaving. People with schizophrenia lose touch with reality and may act, think and talk in a disorganized manner. The condition can present itself in many different forms with many different symptoms, and is thought to be caused by genetic and environmental factors.

The answer is schizophrenia

Explanation:

Because, flat affect is one of the symptons of schizophrenia. It is a marked lack of apparent emotions. And since she is confused by her experience, that is also a sign of unusual perceptions, and delusion, which are also schizophrenia symptons.