Counselling and Treatment of Schizophrenia - Case Study Example

Schizophrenia Case Study Analysis Name Institution Date Schizophrenia Case Study Analysis Introduction Mark seems to be suffering from ill health that gives rise to a constant sense of sadness in addition to mental problems. He was the cricket team captain but soon lost interest which was as a result of the illness. His thinking, behavior, and general feeling towards different things and even people changed. The mental issue affecting Mark is called Sсhizорhrеniа, which is a major depressive disorder. On normal occasions major depressive disorder causes emotional and physical harm (Susan, 2006). It is very clear that Mark has trouble carrying out his normal daily activities as he used to. For example, though he is at his room whole day he no longer studies as he used to. He is also not performing in class and on the cricket pitch which had made him popular among his fellow students and even teachers. Mark has been experiencing some of hallucination. He has been telling his mom that he hears things, which turn out to be imaginary. When informed that they are only imaginary, he gets angry. This may be as a result of paranoia which is attributable to major depressive disorder (Meir, 2008). Considered Issues Usually, when considering the social and cultural issues that need to be addressed one should also consider factors such as; what has drastically made Mark become that way; what could possibly change him and bring him back to the social Mark that he was and how he can be controlled mentally so that his state does not deteriorate. If one decides to address social and cultural issues, which means dealing with his general feelings, ensuring that he is in good mood and addressing common life problems which cannot be diagnosed clinically (Pelletier, 2001). The mother ought to ensure that Mark is not locked up in a room on his own as is currently the case. He needs to meet friends and socialize with people so that he can be in a lively mood. He could also get together with family and try to participate in social activities so that he does not get isolated. Mark’s mom could also consider getting him into a support group so that he gets to meet people with related challenges. There are communal supports groups that could help Mark cope with his complication. In most instances, women are more likely to admit to the fact they are suffering from depression than their male counterparts (Nutt, 2008). Culture has its role here whereby certain cultural groups tend to hide what they are undergoing. This can be actually be negated if closer family members were to pay close attention to the patient. Whatever changes might occur, Mark’s mother should be closely watching in order to ensure that she notes even the slightest change in behavior since this can be warning signs (Rush, 2008). It is critical that people suffering from depression get support of any form. This support corresponds to the needs of the patient. In as far as support is concerned the person who could be of most help to Mark is his mom. His mom should closely monitor him so that she can be the one helping him make decisions. Depression in schizophrenia causes people to stop thinking clearly hence need for one not to make important decisions on his own when down (Brodaty, 2001). On the other hand, a psychotherapist could be of great importance to Mark so as to offer counselling and treatment. Similarly, the mother should always be there to ensure that he sticks to the treatment plan. She should also ensure that he does not skip sessions of a psychotherapist otherwise the symptoms could worsen. A person suffering from depression requires regular exercise, and should not do drugs (Rush, 2008). These will be mostly the mother’s responsibilities. Equally, so much support will be required while Mark is at school. This means that both teachers and fellow students should offer the necessary help required. There are various agencies that will be involved in this case will be there in as far as rectifying the situation is concerned. The common cures for depression are medication and counselling. They should accompany each other. Medications are mostly used to get moods better and stabilize the patient (Brodaty, 2001). However, it is important to note that medication does not deal with the emotional bit of depression. They only ensure that the patient is in a stable condition so that one is able to maybe talk which is a very good therapy for depression. In as far as curing major depressive disorder is concerned, it is imperative to note that it is a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment. This means that apart from medication, special therapy is required. Counselling is the best known therapy as far as major depressive disorder is concerned (Ellis, 2011). Psychotherapy is also another cure for depression. This can be of very big help to Mark since it involves delving into the past to cure the present. Therefore, a psychotherapist is another professional who will be involved in this particular case. Talking to Mark about how he did well in class and in the cricket team could help him overcome the problems he is currently facing. He will be in a position to understand more about himself and his relationships with other people (Sherwin, 2008). Usually, psychotherapists are normally found in hospitals or can be invited to work as private psychotherapists from home. A session with a psychotherapist lasts for around an hour. Of equal importance to note is that this can be done in a group rather than individually. This is normally known as group therapy. In this kind of therapy, a group of not more than 12 patients go to a psychotherapist where they all meet. It is usually a good exercise as people with a similar problem get to meet and give a piece of their mind to one another. This way, they are able to offer advice to one another and also mutual support (Martin, 2005). It is a beneficial manner since people are able to share their different experiences with others who have a similar problem. Usually, for people suffering from major depressive disorder such as schizophrenia, advocacy for various things is imperative. For example, keeping off drugs and substance abuse is very critical. In case one had been secretly abusing drugs, it is required of him to come clean and open up to the doctor so that necessary help can be offered. One needs to be in their correct state of mind always since some drugs tend to slow or quicken heartbeat rate for example. Of equal importance to advocate for is physical activity. Just as being free from drugs keeps one in their rightful mind state, physical activity plays a similar role (Carla, 2008). Mental strength is a very important fighting aspect as far as depressive disorder is concerned. One is able to reduce the amount of emotional pressure hence relaxing the mind which is critical in decision making. People suffering from this kind of disease are encouraged to take control (McCullough, 2000). Taking control generally empowers the patient so that he gets a solution of his own. Of equal magnitude is connection with other people. Friends, colleagues and family play a major role in ensuring that their problems are shared (Collier, 2003). They will generally help the patient get to see things from a diverse perspective. One may find fun and funny people who may get them smiling or even laughing, an exceptional way through which stress is relieved. According to Rush (2008) “…if you don’t connect with people, you won’t have support to turn to when you need help….talking things through with a friend will also help you find solutions to your problems,” Conclusion Mark’s sudden change in behavior is not ordinary. Rather the characteristics he is exhibiting are those of a person suffering from stress. He has developed a sudden loss of interest in various things including cricket, studies and even withdrew from friends. He seems to be experiencing hallucinations and paranoia. He gets infuriated when his mom suggests that he imagining things. He was given anti-depressants which did not seem to work on him. The reason they failed to work on him was because these particular medications were not accompanied by any therapy. Every medication administered to a depression patient ought to be accompanied by some form of therapy such as counselling. After diagnosing what Mark is suffering from, the correct cure ought to be administered. All these will be accompanied by other many different things. These range from regular exercises to keeping off from drugs. Of equal importance to state is that they all have to be followed to the latter. Mark should on his part accept what is happening to him rather than live in denial as this will be essential in ensuring quick recovery. The treatment process takes time since it is mental and may even be both mental and physical. References Ellis, S. (2011). Meta-analysis of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clinical trials in depression". J Clin Psychiatry. Vol. 72 /12. McCullough, P. (2000). Treatment for Chronic Depression. New York: Guilford Press. Pelletier, K. (2001). CAM Therapies for Specific Conditions: Depression." The Best Alternative Medicine. Part II. New York: Simon and Schuster. Collier, J. (2003). Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties. London: Oxford University Press. Rush, A. (2008). Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Philadephia: Williams and Wilkins. Brodaty, H. (2001). A 25-year Longitudinal Comparison Study of the Outcome of Depression." Psychological Medicine. Vol. 31/1347-1358. Carla, L., (2008). Prefrontal Cortical Volume in Childhood-Onset Major Depression." Archives of General Psychiatry. Vol. 59/173-175. Sherwin, B. (2008). The Uncertain Art: Lightning On My Mind." The American Scholar. Vol. 71/: 127-131. Martin, E. (2005). Helplessness: On Depression, Development, and Death. San Francisco: Freeman. Susan, L. (2006). Depression and Women: An Integrative Treatment Approach. New York: Springer Publishing Company. Meir, M. (2008). Mood Disorders in Children. London: Martin Dunitz Limited. Nutt, D. (2008). Relationship of neurotransmitters to the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Vol. 69/1. Read More