Symptoms And Treatment Of Schizophrenia - 1132 Words

Abstract This research paper takes a look at a case study in which the individual is suffering from delusional disorder. Because delusional disorder and schizophrenia share many of the same characteristics, it is easy to mistake one for the other; therefore, the psychology professional must look at all the present symptoms as well as the history of the individual to make a clear diagnosis. When using the pharmacological approach in treating delusional disorders, the psychology professional must consider the ways in which the medication will alter the brain chemistry and influence behavior in the patient. Pharmacological Treatment Interventions for Mental Health Disorders Mental illness is very prevalent in our society and is often†¦show more content†¦He has been experiencing insomnia, restless sleep, and â€Å"bad dreams† during the past month. Mr. S describes himself as being in good health and does not take any medications. He reports some alcohol use but denies abuse of illicit drugs. He smokes two packs of cigarettes a day and admits to drinking â€Å"a lot of coffee.† During your clinical evaluation you discover that he worries a lot about buses that pass his apartment and seem to him to slow down by his apartment. He worries that people riding those buses are there to watch him. He also admits to hearing voices that mumble unintelligible things to him. He appears to be quite anxious and somewhat agitated as he talks. Mr. S. describes himself as a loner but has connections with his immediate family. He says that he has always felt â€Å"empty.† Diagnosis In the case of Mr. S, it could be assumed that smoking two packs of cigarettes a day and drinking a lot of caffeine could be the reason he is experiencing all of the symptoms, but neither nicotine nor caffeine are directly related to psychiatric disorders (Crocq, 2003). They could however be the reasoning behind his insomnia and restlessness. Studies do however show that psychiatric patients such as those suffering from schizophrenia tend to smoke cigarettes and drink caffeine at a higher rate than the general population (Crocq, 2003). Mr. S reports that besides the current symptoms he is experiencing, he