Kurt Schneider, a German psychiatrist, can up with a list of symptoms that he calls “first rank” symptoms. By this, when one or more of the symptoms are present it is very likely that the person has schizophrenia. Some of these symptoms of schizophrenia include: auditory hallucinations in which the voices speak one’s thoughts aloud, auditory hallucinations with two voices arguing, withdrawal of thoughts into ones mind by others, believing one’s thoughts are being broadcast to others, as by radio or television, and insertion by others of feelings into one’s mind, to name a few (1).
Even though this set of diagnosis is less used in the United States, research has shown that at least 75% of people who have schizophrenia have one or more of these symptoms. Even though these symptoms may be very recognizable in many schizophrenic patients, they are also recognizable in 25% of manic-depressive patients. This fact shows just how confusing it is to diagnose schizophrenia, simply because these symptoms can be seen in many other disorders and illnesses (1).
Schizophrenia is a treatable disease, in that its symptoms can be controlled. A doctor is needed in the treatment process to prescribe drugs and to do tests to rule out other illnesses. In order to treat this illness effectively, one must make sure it is schizophrenia and nothing else (1).
Another form of treatment is hospitalization: voluntary and involuntary. Hospitalization is usually needed for patients with schizophrenia who are sick for the first time. Hospitals are a good form of treatment because they protect patients who may try to hurt themselves. This may be done by the use of restraints, seclusion rooms, and special jackets (1).
Hospitals are also a good form of treatment because they offer group treatments. Group treatments allow patients to see that they are not in this alone and that other people are experiencing the same things. Recreational activities, psychodrama, and occupational therapy are also used in hospitals and benefit the schizophrenic patient (1).
For those who should avoid hospitals, other treatment options are available. Another form of treatment is drug injection, which can be given in an emergency room or clinic. The only dis-advantage with this form is that family members do not get a break from the patient because the patient can go home that same night (1).
Other forms of treatment include mobile treatment teams that go to patient’s homes, and sometimes even public health nurses and physicians that make in-home visits. This form decreases hospitalization, but will only work effectively if there is proper, precise follow-up (1).
The last form of treatment for schizophrenia includes the use of antipsychotic drugs for treatment. It is important to remember that these drugs do not cure schizophrenia, but control the symptoms. Studies have shown that about 70% of schizophrenic patients who use these drugs show improvements in their condition (1).
Mood disorders are also very prevalent in society today. There are several disorders that can be included, such as major depression, disthymia, cyclothymia, and mania to name a few. Because seventeen percent of Americans will suffer from major depression sometime in their life, we need to research mood disorders more and help those in need. Diagnosis is very important because these disorders can take an extreme toll on someone’s life; therefore it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible
(2).
Mood disorders can also be found on axis I of the DSM IV. Mood disorders can be divided into two sub-groups; unipolar and bipolar disorders. Unipolar disorders include people who are only suffering from one disorder, usually depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder involves people who experience both manic and depressive phases (2).
When diagnosing someone with a mood disorder, such as major depression, there are specific symptoms that one must exhibit in order to be classified as having major depression. These symptoms can also be found in the DSM IV and must last for at least a two-week period and cause the person to have a change in functioning in work, home, or personal relationships. Some of these symptoms include: depressed mood, loss of interest in daily activities, weight loss, insomnia/hypersomnia, feelings of worthlessness, psychomotor agitation, re-occurring thoughts of suicide or death, and a diminished ability to think or make decisions. In order to be diagnosed as having major depression, one must have at least five of the above symptoms (2).
Eleven million people in the world suffer from these mood disorders today, yet only 1/3 of these people receive treatment. The reasons for this being that people do not realize that there is help available, they may be too embarrassed, or some people simply cannot afford the treatment and medication (2).
Antipsychotic drugs have shown to be the most effective treatment for mood disorders. They are so effective that studies have shown that 85% of depressions seem to be substantially improved within two to six weeks of treatment. This fact in itself shows how effective these antipsychotic drugs are and that they are one of the best treatments for people with mood disorders (2).
Comorbid conditions exist when anxiety and depression become mixed together. It is a condition in which a person meets the criteria for more than one DSM IV axis I disorders. An overlap of symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and insomnia also occur. In other words, comorbid conditions exist when a patient has a combination of two disorders that are found on axis I in the DSM IV (2).
Many of these comorbid conditions receive the same forms of treatment, have the same abnormalities, and the same family history. Because it is a combination of two disorders, it may be hard to treat and control the symptoms effectively (2).
The generalist approach can be used in the treatment of mental illnesses. The generalist social worker takes part in many processes, such as engagement, assessment, evaluation, termination, and follow-up. The generalist social worker also works on three levels, micro, mezzo, and macro, not necessarily all at the same time.
The generalist social worker would assist in the treatment process in a number of ways. He/she could help the client follow through with their treatment sessions. For example, if a patient was living in the rural North Country and needed a ride to the local hospital, but had no transportation, the generalist social worker could help by finding transportation of some sort.
One reason why many people with mental illnesses do not receive treatment is because they are unaware of the services available. These people do not get help because they don’t know what kind of help to get and where to go to get it. A generalist social worker could help in the treatment process by informing clients about treatment options and where to get them. The social worker could also make referrals to doctors and other health professionals. By doing this, the client would now know where to go for help, and hopefully make the decision to accept the help.
Another reason why many people do not get treatment is because it is too expensive. A generalist social worker could help by finding alternative funding to pay for the treatment. Sometimes the client doesn’t know every possibility that is available, and that is where the generalist social worker fits in.
The generalist social worker could also help by explaining to the client that millions of people receive different forms of treatment all over the world. Some people do not receive treatment because they are too embarrassed or ashamed; they feel that they are the only ones going through their illness, but they are not. Support groups and group therapy are a good way to show that everyone has problems and that it’s acceptable to admit them and receive treatment.
A generalist social worker could also help in the treatment process by introducing the client to groups and services in the community. It is important that the patient realizes that turning to friends, family, and the community can only have positive affects. The more social support groups available, the better off the patient will be.
Overall, I enjoyed doing this paper. A lot of this was review from our first exam, but the rest of it was new to me. I found that writing this paper was both informative and interesting. My knowledge on the mentally ill has increased significantly since I started this class, and I only hope to learn much more.
