Question

CASE STUDY # 2 Mental Health: Schizophrenia You are working on an inpatient psychiatric unit and need to do an initial assessment of Richard Brown who has just been admitted. He has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, paranoid type, He is 22 years old and has been attending the local university while living at home with his parents. He had always been a good student and was active socially. Last semester his grades began declining and he became very withdrawn. He spends most of his time alone in his room. His grooming has deteriorated, he can go days without bathing. For several weeks before admission, he insisted on keeping all the blinds and curtains in the house closed. He refuses to join family gatherings and games. For the past 2 days he has refused to eat, saying: "They have contaminated the food". As you approach RB, you note that he appears to be carrying on a conversation with someone, but there is no one there. When you talk to him, he looks around and answers in a whisper, but gives you little information, He states "They are watching me and told me not to cooperate." 1. Identify all negative symptoms of schizophrenia RB is experiencing. Identify all positive symptoms of schizophrenia RB may be experiencing. What diagnostic screenings are important in evaluating RB? What are the most important initial interventions in treating RB? actice 2. 3. 4. 5. What is the first choice of medications to be considered for RB? RB is started on risperdal. His family is curious about this medication when they are visiting one night, because RB does no act like himself. What symptoms may they see? Write out the common side effects of second generation antipsychotics 1. 2. Instruct the family on the neurobiological action of this medication. Advi doc oCK

Answers should be in APA format

History or info about schizophrenia

Answer 1

1.The positive symptoms experienced by RB are

• Delusion (someone is watching and asks nog to cooperate )
• Hallucination (carrying a conversation )
• Disorganised behaviour (no personal hygiene,grooming detoriate,no baths)

2.The negative symptoms experienced by RB are

• Being alone or isolated (Affective flattening )
• Not maintaining eye contact(Affective flattening )
• Lack of continuous good conversation (Alogia)
• Lack of involvement with family and friends (Avolution )

3.The main diagnostic screening for RB

• Brain scan and imaging can detect early stage and be helpful in treatment
• MRI Scan
• Blood test
• Smell test for schizophrenia

4.The most important initial intervention are

• Medication (to reduce the symptoms)
• Psychotherapy
• Talk therapy or conversing with the patient
• Cognitivetherapy
• Family therapy
• Behaviour therpy

5.The choice of medication for treating schizophrenia is antipsychotic drugs. (E.g.,Risperidol)