Schizophrenia Discussion from film review - Coursework Example

Schizophrenia Discussion from Film Review Schizophrenia Discussion from Film Review The film, People Say I’m Crazy, is anautobiographical documentary detailing the experiences of John Cadigan as he battled paranoid schizophrenia. John’s struggles depict the micro, mezzo and macro issues that characterize the path to the treatment of the mental condition. At the micro level, intervention measures take place at a personal level. In this movie, John undergoes family therapy, individual counseling and medical care.

This is evident when family members take him to a psychiatrist who diagnoses his mental condition (Cadigan, 2003). They also encourage him to join self-help groups and participate in various sports and games, such as table tennis.The mezzo level deals with small or medium size groups. John goes to the Merrithew Memorial Hospital where he meets other patients with mental problems (Cadigan, 2003). They are attended to as a group. The macro level is evident as the movie depicts various attempts to help patients by intervening in large systems.

There is an agitation for mental patients’ rights. Other efforts include having a city psychiatrist whose sole task is diagnosing mental illnesses.As social workers, we have a great responsibility to help people with mental illnesses such as John. At the micro level, we need to administer proper medication to schizophrenic patients. The medication here includes the use of phenothiazines, butrophenones and thioxanthenes. However, medication alone is not always effective; consequently, there is need for more intervention measures, such as peer counseling.

At the mezzo level, we will need to attend to such groups as the self-help groups formed by patients, schools, neighborhoods or local organizations, provide guidance and prescribe proper medication. Lastly, at the macro level, we will need to lobby and push for the adoption of patients’ rights. As social workers, we push for the banning of some adverse intervention measures, such as subjecting mental patients to solitary confinement.ReferenceCadigan, K. & Whol, I. (Producers) & Cadigan, J. (Director). (2003) People Say I’m Crazy.

USA: HBO Cinemax Documentary Films.