A patient is undergoing diagnostic tests. The patient says, “Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold.” The spouse reports that the patient smokes, coughs daily, has recently lost 15 pounds, and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?

Choice A reason: Projection involves attributing one’s issues to others, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s dismissal of serious symptoms, like weight loss, suggests denial, not projection. These symptoms may indicate physiological issues, not psychological attribution, making projection incorrect for this defense mechanism. Choice B reason: Regression involves reverting to childish behaviors, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s claim of a minor cold despite weight loss and fatigue reflects denial, not regression. These symptoms suggest a serious condition, not immature coping, making this an incorrect defense mechanism. Choice C reason: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, which may indicate a medical condition. By attributing them to a minor cold, the patient avoids reality, a common defense in stress-related cortisol spikes, making this the correct mechanism. Choice D reason: Displacement redirects emotions to another target, not ignoring symptoms. The patient’s minimization of serious health issues, like fatigue, reflects denial, not redirected feelings. This mechanism is unrelated to dismissing physical symptoms, making it incorrect for the described behavior.