you don’t understand.

Patient History
Male, early forties, actor. Unemployed.
Married. Two daughters.
During prior career, Patient memorised wide range of roles. From classics to contemporary.
About a decade ago Patient noticed preference to quote from roles rather than use his own words in social situations.
Often quoting from non-speaking roles.
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Chief Complaint
Patient has, by now, lost “his own words.”
Eg. when recently asked by wife if he was talking to his agent to get new roles, Patient rattled off long quote from Ibsen play. Wife took it as mocking.
BUT: Patient says that Loss Of Words is NOT primary reason why he’s seeking therapy.
Patient’s worry: he’s LOSING own JUDGEMENT and OPINION.
Fears his character is rapidly disappearing.
Patient admits he no longer cares for what he WANTS to say, long as he can find remotely fitting QUOTE from memory.
Says he feels SECURE stating already published words—the more established the better.
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Diagnostic impressions
Patient clearly struggles for words. He used to greet me with a “Hello.” Recently he has switched to hollering “Hail Caesar!” upon entry. My name is not Caesar.
I suggested he tried Lexapro, 5mg, once daily. He replied by quoting the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, citing cruel and unusual punishment.