Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis I would select early onset schizophrenia as the differential diagnosis for this client. The client exhibits symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech, which are all characteristic of schizophrenia. Additionally, the client’s family history of schizophrenia supports this diagnosis (Laureate Education, 2016).
By selecting this decision, I hope to achieve an accurate diagnosis for the client, which will guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan. An accurate diagnosis will also provide the client and their family with an understanding of the client’s condition, which can help to reduce their anxiety and improve their overall quality of life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The results of this decision are consistent with my expectations, as the client’s symptoms and family history both suggest a diagnosis of early onset schizophrenia.
Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy I would select cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the treatment plan for psychotherapy. Research has shown that CBT can be effective in reducing positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions in patients with early onset schizophrenia (González-Blanch et al., 2011). CBT can also help the client to develop coping strategies and improve their overall quality of life (Laureate Education, 2016).
By selecting this decision, I hope to achieve a reduction in the client’s positive symptoms and an improvement in their overall quality of life. I also hope to help the client develop coping strategies that will enable them to manage their symptoms and improve their ability to function in their daily life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The results of this decision may differ from my expectations depending on the individual client’s response to treatment. However, research supports the use of CBT as an effective treatment for early onset schizophrenia, and it is a recommended treatment option by the American Psychiatric Association (2013).
Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology I would select atypical antipsychotic medication as the treatment plan for psychopharmacology. Atypical antipsychotics are effective in reducing positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions in patients with schizophrenia (González-Blanch et al., 2011). Additionally, atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects than typical antipsychotics, which can improve adherence to treatment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
By selecting this decision, I hope to achieve a reduction in the client’s positive symptoms and an improvement in their overall quality of life. I also hope to minimize any side effects associated with the medication and improve the client’s adherence to treatment (Laureate Education, 2016).
The results of this decision may differ from my expectations depending on the individual client’s response to the medication. However, research supports the use of atypical antipsychotics as an effective treatment for early onset schizophrenia, and it is a recommended treatment option by the American Psychiatric Association (2013).
Ethical considerations should be taken into account when developing a treatment plan for clients with early onset schizophrenia. Informed consent should be obtained from the client and their family, and the potential risks and benefits of treatment should be clearly communicated (Laureate Education, 2016). Confidentiality should also be maintained, and the client’s right to autonomy and self-determination should be respected (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
References: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 González-Blanch, C., Pérez-Iglesias, R., Rodríguez-Sánchez, J. M., Pardo-Garcia, G
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