What disorder might best explain Scott Davis’s behavior of refusing to bathe and believing his food is poisoned?

The behavior exhibited by Scott Davis, specifically the refusal to bathe and the belief that his food is poisoned, aligns most closely with symptoms often associated with paranoid schizophrenia. This disorder is characterized by profound changes in thought processes, perception, and behavior. Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia may experience delusions—false beliefs that are strongly held despite evidence to the contrary—as well as hallucinations and disorganized thinking.

In this case, the belief that food is poisoned can be classified as a delusion of persecution, where an individual believes that they are being targeted or harmed by others. The refusal to engage in self-care, such as bathing, may be linked to the overall disorganization of thought and motivation typically seen in those dealing with severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia.

Other disorders present different symptom profiles. Major depressive disorder might involve neglect of personal hygiene, but it would not typically encompass the delusional beliefs about food safety. Social anxiety disorder primarily involves intense fear of social situations and does not usually manifest as paranoid delusions or significant self-care neglect. Obsessive-compulsive disorder generally features compulsions and obsessions, but not the type of delusion evident in the scenario presented.

Therefore, Scott Davis's behaviors suggest that paranoid schizophrenia is the most fitting diagnosis among