Case Study

Sheldon Cooper

Sheldon Cooper

• Dr. Sheldon Cooper, B.S., M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Sc.D.

• Sheldon is a theoretical physicist who lives with his best friend.

• Sheldon is a peculiar character who can be described as a “prodigy”.

• He has an incredibly high IQ of 187, although, he claims that is cannot be measured by normal tests.

History and Symptoms

• Sheldon showed extraordinary intelligence at a young age. However, he was constantly mocked and bullied by other children growing up.

• He graduated college at 14 and received one of his two doctorates by aged 16.

History and Symptoms

• Despite his intelligence, Sheldon is usually inept in most social interactions. His eccentricities, direct remarks, and demanding nature put him at odds with his own friends.

• In fact, he attempts to avoid human contact altogether whenever possible.

History and Symptoms

• Aside from extremely high intelligence, Sheldon exhibits many idiosyncrasies.

• For example, Sheldon exhibits a strict adherence to routine, such as doing specific recreational activities on specific days of the week. (Monday is oatmeal day)

History and Symptoms

• Sheldon also is extremely worried about germs and becoming sick.

• He washes his hands as often as he can, and he showers twice daily.

History and Symptoms• Sheldon also exhibits

many “childlike” behaviors.

• These include: a fascination of trains, needing to be cared for when sick, affinity for comics and video games, and not actually having a driver’s license.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

• Several viewers have asserted that Sheldon's behavior is consistent with Asperger’s syndrome.

• Other viewers believe Sheldon's behavior stems from Obsessive–compulsive disorder or an OCD and Asperger's overlap.