View source for The Curious Report (Medusa Gorgon)

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2013/08/16
|Location=The Citadel - Medical
|Synopsis=There are some peculiar results from Medusa Gorgon's initial psych evaluation upon joining the Confederacy.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=22
|Tinyplot=
}}
"It was nice talking with you, take care!"

Waving goodbye to the blonde nurse, the dark haired psychologist made her way down the hallway of the medical facilities of the Citadel. Had so many months passed already? Then again, with an influx of new patients on a regular basis, the weeks tended to meld together. But heck, even that case was memorable when the new nurse had been sent to her for a basic evaluation all those months ago. It had been nice to bump into her again just to see how things had gone. Sure seemed like she had adjusted well enough, considering the circumstances...

The psychologist made her way into her tiny office, gingerly setting her coffee mug down on the table, even as she reached over for one of the archive folders. Ah, there it was... her eyes skimmed the report, containing both the physical and the psychological evaluation.


Subject: Medusa Gorgon

Age: 37

Occupation: Nurse

Medical report from on attending physician:

Physically fit woman, aged 37, appearance in accordance with age. Blood pressure 115/70, pulse 65. Blood tests are all within normal values. Echocardiogram shows a sinusrythm. X-ray shows a normal heart and clear lungs, no suspect findings. CT scan of the cranium shows no abnormalities. Neurological testing negative.

When asked on her medical history, the patient recites no prior illnesses of note. Patient has one child whom she states to be 15 years of age.

No substance abuse, non-smoker, little consumption of alcohol.

Medication: None.


Psychologial report from attending psychologist:

The subject was admitted to standardized psychological screening at Citadel Medical Facilities xx.xx.xx. Her cognitive abilities, personality traits and psychiatric condition were assessed as normal regulation for new recruits. She showed good formal and informal contact, and she remained highly co-operative and motivated throughout the duration of the assessment.

Cognitive capacities were assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). WCST is a neuropsychological test of the ability to display flexibility in the face of changing schedules of reinforcement. It gives a measure of the executive functioning of the brain, e.g. strategic planning, organized searching, utilizing environmental feedback to shift cognitive sets, directing behavior toward achieving a goal, and modulating impulsive responding. The goal of the test is to deduce the rules for sorting the cards, either by color, shape or number. The rules for sorting change numerous times without warning, leaving the subject to deduce the new rules. All feedback allowed from the administrator is 'wrong' or 'right'.

Observations: Initially, the subject performed the tasks with ease. The second following the first rule change however, her demeanor dramatically altered. Her facial expressions vanished and her pupils contracted. She was immediately back to her usual behaviour, and she did not repeat the response in any of the following rule changes in the test. Throughout the remaining time, she was highly determined, focused and pleasant. Her initial response is highly atypical. Although the possibility seems low, it could be symptomatic of either anxiety or dissociation when faced with negative feedback. I would recommend ruling out or verifying the possibility of <<petit mal>>, as we can offer viable hypothesis to this behaviour.

Results: The collective results shows her cognitive abilities are roughly 2 standard deviations above average. She did equally well in all varying sets of assignments. Schizophrenia cannot be ruled out entirely on the basis of WCST, but seems highly unlikely given her high cognitive functioning.


The Screening of Overt and Covert Psychiatric Tendencies (SOCPT) is a standardized test consisting of 150 yes/no questions, which can uncover differences in overt and covert symptoms.
Observations: The subject filled out the form in 15 minutes, which is rather quick. She seemed determined, and comfortable answering all questions, rarely taking time to reflect on which alternative to choose.

Results: Only a few inconsistencies were apparent. Overt confidence was significantly higher than covert confidence. This could indicate problems with her perceived effectiveness and control over her surroundings.

The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was used to measure the subjects' personality traits. The test contains 344 items which are rated on a Likert scale, and results are given in 22 scales: 4 validity scales, 11 clinical 5 treatment scales and 2 interpersonal scales.

Observations: The subject was motivated and filled out the form without any remarks or questions to the administrator.

Results: The results suggest the subject tried to present a very favourable impression or reluctance to admit minor flaws, and there were inconsistencies which threatens the validity of PAI. 

The following are the certain results which were evaluated as reliable:

- The subject shows no signs of responding carelessly or randomly.
- The subject reports few or no somatic complaints, anxiety, depression, drug- or alcohol problems.

Although not deemed reliable, the test wielded unusual results in regards to some subscales, e.g.

Social detachment (SCZ-S), Negative relationships (BOR-N), Stimulus-Seeking (ANT-S) and Resentment (PAR-R). The only viable hypothesis given her demeanor is that some perceived interpersonal failure have led her to cope by focusing externally, and that this is something she is not comfortable sharing.

Overall evaluation: A woman with good cognitive capabilities, which is dependable, independent, highly conscientious and agreeable. To further assess the inconsistencies shown in PAI we would recommend the use of Rorschach combined with MMPI-II.


Yes, it had been quite a curious case. The young woman adjusted her glasses before pushing some dark locks of hair out of her eyes. "Perhaps she had a bad relationship down the road... left on her own with a kid and all..." the psychologist sighed to herself. Well, it would explain some things. Some things could bring out schizophrenic and antisocial tendencies, paranoia and such in even the best of people. Either way, it things worked out there was no indication that further testing was necessary. And if so, the earliest she would be able to fit such a thing in would be in December. To test everybody for everything was just not a viable option, considering how few psychologists worked full-time with screening new recruits and allies.

The folder was put aside, and the coffee mug was picked up again. Those reports would not write themselves, she reminded herself with a determined look!