Case Study: Schizophrenia
Being one of the most widespread mental disorders in terms of identifying major symptoms, schizophrenia still remains quite complicated when it comes to the etiology examination. Researchers claim that there is nowadays a considerable lack of credible sources for a thorough etiology investigation (Hartley et al., 2016). The reasons behind the disorder can vary from one’s genetic predisposition to a stressful precedent, which leads to a mental imbalance. Speaking of Caroline’s case, her background is not described exhaustively enough to determine the reasons behind schizophrenia development. However, considering the information given, it is possible to briefly outline the patient’s nursing care plan. The assessment includes the following points:
- Detached from family and surrounding in general
- Expressing paranoid concerns
- Failing grades at the university
- Experiencing temper tantrums
- Students reporting being scared of her behavior
- Neglecting treatment.
Considering the assessment above, the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia can be established due to Caroline’s concerns about being a target for her social environment. Moreover, according to the scholarly data, the family’s report on her isolation and apathy indicate some implicit signs of depression developed consequently to schizophrenia (Upthegrove et al., 2017). The care plan, hence, states that:
- Caroline will accept the diagnosis and the necessity of the intake of the medications
- Caroline will not hurt other people due to her temper tantrums
- Caroline will reach out to her family and specialists instead of self-isolating.
In order to secure such results, the following intervention steps may be introduced:
- Observe Caroline’s behavior regularly
- Provide Caroline with a safe environment
- Consult Caroline on the subject of her mental peculiarities
- Engage Caroline’s family in the treatment process.
One of the major constituents of the treatment process concerns anti-psychotic medication intake. As these medications are supposed to deal with hallucinations, paranoia, and disordered thought, their efficiency is extremely important in Caroline’s case. The issue, however, lies in the fact that a series of such medications did not perform the expected results. Thus, it is of crucial importance to examine her reaction on various drugs in order to define the most beneficial one.
References
Hartley, B. J., Hadas, Y., & Brennand, K. J. (2016). hiPSC models relevant to schizophrenia. Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience, 23, 391-406
Upthegrove, R., Marwaha, S., & Birchwood, M. (2017). Depression and schizophrenia: cause, consequence, or trans-diagnostic issue? Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(2), 240-244.