Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder

Scenario 1
Sam is a 25-year-old African American man who is incarcerated for robbing a jewelry store. He reported that he was “framed” for this offense. Sam reported that he was engaged in a “spiritual battle” against demonic spirits who told him to shoot himself. During the interview, he stated that he had “telepathic skills,” meaning that he heard voices inside his head with whom he had conversations. He felt disappointed he was unable to complete his suicide and asked the staff to call the FBI but declined to explain the reason for his request. The voices gave him “hypnotic commands” and also had the power to “increase his own serotonin.” He did not believe that the voices were part of any illness but just telepathic communications with demonic beings. He reported how voices controlled him: “They enjoy controlling me. They keep me from having complete thoughts. I find myself not realizing what I am trying to do; they make me feel ‘gyroscopic,’ give me heartburn, and they have the ability to nullify my medications.” The patient indicated that he had difficulties maintaining his train of thought: “Voices keep me from having complete thoughts very often, and they block my thoughts, keep me from doing things, and get me scared.” The voices were in total control of his future, and suicide was his only option: “I am not able to control my future enough to make things not happen.” Sam first consulted a psychiatrist when he was 17 and reported paranoid thinking. He started to hear voices when he was 21.

Primary diagnosis:

Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder. DSM-5 298.9 (F29) Note: In DSM-4, this category was called Psychotic Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified NOS). It is used where there is inadequate information (family history, medical history, etc.) to make a specific diagnosis.
Write a 700 word analysis of the symptoms presented by the individual in the scenario to determine a possible etiology. If necessary details are missing from the case study, fill in the gaps with information from your research. In your analysis, you should:

Describe the symptoms presented by the client.
Analyze symptom development within the client. Consider these guiding questions:
When did the symptoms begin?
How often do the symptoms occur?
How long do the symptoms last? Have they changed over time?
Analyze possible risk factors presented by the client that could have led to the diagnosis. Consider these guiding questions:
Are men or women more commonly diagnosed with this disorder?
Are there situational factors that commonly contribute to this diagnosis?
Analyze the etiology of disorder development from a biological, psychological, and social perspective.

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Sample Answer

 

 

Description of Presented Symptoms:

Sam, a 25-year-old African American man, exhibits a range of concerning symptoms consistent with a psychotic disorder. These include:

  • Auditory hallucinations: He hears voices inside his head with whom he converses, attributing them to “demonic beings.”
  • Delusions of reference and control: He believes the voices control his thoughts, emotions, and actions, manipulating his future and even causing physical

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  • Paranoid thinking: He reports being “framed” for the crime and expresses distrust towards others.
  • Suicidal ideation: He views suicide as his only escape from the control of the voices.
  • Disorganized speech and thoughts: He struggles to maintain a coherent train of thought due to the voices’ interference.
  • History of mental health concerns: He first reported paranoid thoughts at 17 and began hearing voices at 21.

Symptom Development:

  • Onset: The first reported symptoms emerged at 17 with paranoid thinking, followed by the onset of auditory hallucinations at 21.
  • Frequency: The details on symptom frequency are missing. However, Sam claims the voices “very often” disrupt his thoughts and actions.
  • Duration: The voices have persisted for at least four years, suggesting chronicity.
  • Changes over time: Information on symptom evolution is limited. However, the reported escalation to suicidal ideation indicates potential worsening.

Possible Risk Factors:

  • Gender: While schizophrenia affects both genders, men have a slightly higher prevalence (1.0% vs. 0.7%).
  • Situational factors: The scenario offers limited information about potential situational stressors. However, social isolation, lack of support, and traumatic experiences are known risk factors for psychosis.

Etiology Analysis:

Understanding the root causes of Sam’s condition requires a multi-faceted approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors:

Biological:

  • Genetics: Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component, with family history being a significant risk factor. Information about Sam’s family history is absent, limiting this exploration.
  • Neurobiological factors: Abnormalities in brain structure and function, particularly in the dopamine system, are implicated in schizophrenia. Brain imaging and neurotransmitter tests are not mentioned in the case, leaving this avenue unexplored.
  • Substance abuse: While not explicitly mentioned, substance abuse can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Information about substance use is absent.

Psychological:

  • Stressful life events: Early childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse can increase vulnerability to psychosis. The case study lacks details about Sam’s early life experiences.
  • Cognitive factors: Deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning are associated with schizophrenia. Exploring Sam’s cognitive abilities through standardized assessments could provide valuable insights.
  • Coping mechanisms: The case does not delve into Sam’s coping strategies for dealing with his distressing symptoms. Understanding his coping mechanisms could be crucial for intervention.

Social:

  • Social isolation: Lack of social support and meaningful relationships can worsen psychotic symptoms. The case does not explore Sam’s social network or support systems.
  • Discrimination and stigma: Experiences of discrimination and stigma can hinder help-seeking behaviors and negatively impact mental health outcomes. The case does not mention Sam’s experiences with discrimination or stigma, but it’s essential to consider given his racial identity.

Limitations:

The limited information presented in the scenario restricts a definitive analysis of Sam’s specific etiology. A comprehensive assessment, including family history, medical history, neuropsychological evaluation, and exploration of social factors, is crucial for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Conclusion:

While limited by information, Sam’s presentation suggests a strong possibility of an unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder. A comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment is crucial to confirm the diagnosis, understand the specific contributing factors, and develop an effective treatment plan that addresses his biological, psychological, and social needs. Additionally, it’s important to consider the potential impact of racial bias in diagnosis and treatment and ensure culturally competent care for Sam.

Remember, this analysis is based on a limited case study

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