Homework: Schizophrenia over Time- Experiences Living with the Illness- Diagnosing Psychosis- Schizophrenia Spectrum
Schizophrenia, which appears in individuals in their young-adult years, is one of the most disabling conditions that an individual can develop. Unlike many other DSM-5 disorders, the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia have been studied for a long time. Symptoms of the illness appear similarly across races and cultures, although cultures vary widely in how they handle the illness.
No matter in what culture an individual is raised, it is universal that the onset profoundly changes the life course of the individual and their family members. Phases of the illness vary, in a cycle, but delays in treatment are often associated with increased difficulty in functioning. The medical model is a key element of stabilizing schizophrenia, but psychosocial interventions are increasingly critical if families and patients are to avoid the high rates of suicide, despair, isolation, unemployment, and homelessness that can result. Early and ongoing psychosocial and cognitive treatments can stabilize lives.
You analyze examples of individuals living with schizophrenia. You also present to the class your own differential diagnostic process for your collaboration case.
Learning Objectives
1. Analyze a case study focused on a schizophrenia disorder utilizing steps of differential diagnosis
2. Recommend a measurement instrument to validate diagnosis
3. Analyze client experiences with schizophrenia
4. Apply measures to aid diagnosing psychosis in a social work case study
5. Create an individualized treatment plan for a schizophrenia diagnosis in a social work case study
Experiences of schizophrenia are not homogeneous; there is wide variety in onset, course of illness, and combinations of symptoms. Social workers need to be able to understand the different manifestations and pathways of the illness to plan interventions. Social work services play a key role in stabilizing crises, supporting family coping, and influencing overall quality of life and outcomes of individuals with schizophrenia. In this Homework, you practice applying this necessary individualization.
To prepare: In the Learning Resources, focus on the associated features, development, and course of the illnesses in the schizophrenia spectrum. Also focus on descriptions of the disorder and the way it develops for different individuals.
Choose two articles from the list in the Learning Resources that apply to treatment support and interventions for the schizophrenia spectrum. Access the Walden Library and research additional peer-reviewed articles.
Submit 3 to 4 pages paper, supported by at least 3-4 scholarly resources (including both required and additional resources), in which you address the following:
1. Compare Saks's and McGough's experiences with schizophrenia, specifically referencing the positive and negative symptoms they each experienced.
2. Explain how you would use the Clinician Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity measure and the WHODAS to help confirm your diagnosis.
3. Identify in what ways their cases are typical or atypical of the illness in terms of onset, associated features, development, and course. Support your response with references to scholarly resources.
4. Explain how you would plan treatment and individualize it for these two individuals. Support your response with references to scholarly resources. In your explanation, consider the following questions:
a. What are the long-term challenges for someone living with the illness?
b. What social, family, vocational, and medical supports are needed for long-term stabilization?
c. How might treatment look similar or different for Saks and McGough, given they have the same diagnosis?
5. Briefly explain how race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, or other identity characteristics may influence an individual's experience with schizophrenia.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.