Diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Theory of Causation - Case Study Example

 Case Study 2: Schizophrenia Name Institution Case Study 2: Schizophrenia Diagnosis of Schizophrenia The patient discussed in this case study is Sonny Ford. He was aged 21 years old and is ailing from Schizophrenia. According to the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a patient must experience at least two of the following symptoms in order to be diagnosed from schizophrenia; hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, catatonic behaviors, and negative symptoms. In most cases, patients suffering from Schizophrenia are diagnosed with antipsychotics. The drugs include Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Thiothixene, and Fluephenazine. The drugs are known to work in the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Important to note is that the patient under discussion was persistently struggling with anxiety and concentration for 2 years prior to his hospital admission. Also, he was experiencing impaired paranoia and delusional thoughts. Interestingly, his paranoia concerns were that the FBI police were pursuing him and that a number of Tv show programs were created to remind him that he was under constant hunt by the authority. Notably, during his admission to the hospital, he avoided direct eye contact with the physician and maintained restricted moves. Besides, when responding to the interview questions, Sonny’s response was laconic and peculiar. Theory of Causation for the Schizophrenia Disorder Neurodevelopmental Theory of Schizophrenia The theory was developed by Weinberger, Lewis, and Murray. They posit that the etiology of schizophrenia entails pathologic processes that are caused by environmental and genetic factors. In most cases, these processes begin in adolescence, before the brain reaches its adult anatomical stage (Owen, O'Donovan, Thapar & Craddock, 2017). Further, the theory suggests that the neurodevelopmental abnormalities can develop during the early stages of adulthood. Moreover, they are known to activate the pathologic neural circuits which are associated with positive symptoms. Neuroimaging studies have found that brain abnormalities are present in early stages of this illness (Owen, O'Donovan, Thapar & Craddock, 2017). Markedly, the neurodevelopmental theory has received support from subsequent neuroimaging, developmental, and epidemiological studies. In fact, it has been the prevailing paradigm for schizophrenia studies in the last one decade. Importantly, scholars use this theory to explain cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and ventricular development by brain imaging studies. The theorists further suggest that the ailment is not highly heritable, although evidence gathered from family studies have shown that there exists a genetic risk of acquiring schizophrenia. This is because it is psychiatric syndromes just like other disorders. Noteworthy, schizophrenia is transmitted by genetic or hereditary factors that appear in predisposition (Owen, O'Donovan, Thapar & Craddock, 2017). For instance, one may possess some metabolic ailments which make the individual predisposed to schizophrenic, particularly if s (he) is stressed. Further, there is the argument that the life of a person whose family has members suffering from schizophrenia is colored by anxiety, stress, and adverse parent-child relationship. The proponents suggest that such variables are predisposing factors to schizophrenia (Owen, O'Donovan, Thapar & Craddock, 2017). Thus, it can be concluded that besides genetic background, factors such as stress and anxiety are also key in causation of schizophrenia. Besides, the theory points out the effects of environment and social-cultural activities in the development of schizophrenia. Although the disorder is found in all cultures and societies, it has been found that paranoid and auditory hallucination type of schizophrenia is most common in the United States but uncommon in Africa. Similarly it was found that people in developing countries displayed symptoms linked to hebephrenic schizophrenia including inappropriate smiles, sudden mute, singing, smearing, dancing, delusions, and many others (Owen, O'Donovan, Thapar & Craddock, 2017). Also, the theorists argue that in most cases, the schizophrenics develop paranoid and catatonic reactions. These reactions are known to cause mental disorganization. Other symptoms linked to this ailment are auditory hallucination, depersonalization, complaints, persecution, and delusion of references. Neurodevelopmental theory of Schizophrenia proposes that the goal of treatment plan for this chronic disease is to eliminate symptoms, promote recovery to the maximum extent possible, and to maximize the quality of life. Markedly, accurate diagnosis has vast implications for both the short and long term treatment plan. In fact, the theory further educates us that diagnosis of this ailment is a process and not a one-time event. Also, it is fundamental to note that as new information regarding the patient’s symptoms surfaces, the diagnosis process should be re-evaluated and possibly alter the treatment plan. This theory is applicable in this case in several ways. It suggests various symptoms that are exhibited by schizophrenics. According to the theory, the patients who suffer from this disorder are known to develop paranoid reactions. Consequently, readers get to learn that Sonny Ford was persistently experiencing paranoid and delusional thoughts. It is further suggested that during his admission to the hospital, he looked anxious and tensed. Also, he appeared to have mental disorganization, a critical cognitive symptom. What is more is that the patient was reported to have some auditory hallucinations and disorganized speech. In overall, he exhibited many symptoms that are pinpointed out in the theory Neurodevelopmental theory of Schizophrenia. Treatment Plan for Schizophrenia To hasten recovery, Sonny should begin treatment immediately. Successful treatment is dependent on a number of factors. The first step is to ascertain that Sonny is ailing from Schizophrenia mental disorder. Once diagnosis is identified, the physician should use outcome measures such as structured interview and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale to gauge the effect of treatment. Markedly, in this case, the recommended antipsychotic medication is Chlorpromazine. The recommended dose range per is 100-300 mg/ per day for a minimum period of three months. Importantly, the dosage half-life is 6 hours. The next step is to identify the treatment settings. This process should be interactive. The doctor should then develop a robust therapeutic alliance. This is imperative in promoting strict treatment adherence. Importantly, medical staffs should identify the patient’s aspirations and goals to promote treatment adherence. Fourthly, they should provide therapies and treatment education to the patient. They create a good rapport with the patient to identify any early symptom of deterioration to avoid cases of full-brown illness. Lastly, practitioners are advised to document treatment carefully to avoid confusion. However, it should be noted that successful treatment depends on many factors. Patients should take initiative to educate themselves with the disorder whilst communicate with the therapists. They should take self-help steps while adhering to the treatment plan. Moreover, pursuing strategies such as seeking social support, changing diet, and relieving stress can have profound implications on how quick one will recuperate. Also, self-help steps are pivotal in increasing self-esteem and hope in life. Moreover, the strategy is known to reduce the severity of associated symptoms such as aggression, agitation, and other negative symptoms. In overall, antipsychotic medications such as Clozapine help in diminishing the symptoms of schizophrenia. The drugs also help in preventing relapse. In lieu of this, Sonny Ford should adhere to this treatment plan. References Owen, M., O'Donovan, M., Thapar, A., & Craddock, N. (2017). Neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Retrieved from < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3764497/> Read More