ABC/123 Version X 1 Case Study Worksheet CCMH/522 Version Un

ABC/123 Version X 1 Case Study Worksheet CCMH/522 Version Universi

Answer the following questions for the assigned case study. Each response should be sufficient to answer the question appropriately (around 50–75 words each, when applicable). Think critically about your responses to each question. Do not respond with statements that indicate you are not in a position to prescribe or diagnose; this is practice to utilize your critical-thinking skills.

Case Study: Kenny

Kenny is a 22-year-old man exhibiting significant behavioral and psychological changes over the past eight months, including social withdrawal, odd behaviors, hallucinations, agitation, and a decline in personal care. His symptoms suggest a severe mental health crisis requiring careful assessment and intervention.

1. What primary presenting problems do you see in this case study?

The primary problems include auditory hallucinations, social withdrawal, disorganized thinking, agitation, poor hygiene, and affective blunting. Kenny’s detachment from reality, evident in hallucinations and paranoid responses, indicates psychosis. His deterioration in functioning and hostility suggest a severe mental disorder impacting his ability to engage in daily activities and maintain relationships.

2. What would be your DSM-5 diagnosis of this case?

The DSM-5 diagnosis most consistent with Kenny’s symptoms is Schizophrenia. His hallucinations, disorganized speech, negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, poor self-care, and agitation align with criteria for a schizophrenia diagnosis. The duration of symptoms over several months supports this classification, emphasizing the need for further assessment to confirm diagnosis.

3. What medication might you suggest for the client in this case? Provide the medication name, the dosage you would recommend, and what time of day you would suggest the medication be taken.

An antipsychotic such as Risperidone could be recommended. A typical starting dose might be 2 mg once daily, which can be titrated to 4-6 mg per day based on response and tolerability. It is best administered once in the evening to help mitigate sedation and manage symptoms during the day.

4. Identify the primary side effects of concern you would address with this client.

Potential side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors, rigidity), weight gain, metabolic syndrome, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Monitoring for and managing these adverse effects is crucial to ensure medication adherence and overall health.

5. Would you recommend hospitalizing the client in this case? Explain the rationale behind your decision.

Yes, hospitalization is advisable given Kenny’s acute psychosis, agitation, and inability to care for himself. Hospitalization allows for safety, close monitoring, initiation of antipsychotic treatment, and stabilization. His hostility and disorganized behavior pose risk to himself and others, making inpatient care appropriate for initial management.

6. What alternative treatments might you recommend for this client to address the reported problems? What alternative medications might you suggest?

Psychosocial interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy could help manage symptoms and improve functioning. Family counseling is beneficial for support and relapse prevention. Alternatives to risperidone include medications like Olanzapine or Aripiprazole, which may be better tolerated or more effective depending on individual response.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• S. Correll, & G. M. Goff. (2015). Pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Annual Review of Medicine, 66, 123–137.
• L. J. Kelly & R. M. McDonald (2018). Managing side effects of antipsychotics. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(5), 18-24.
• F. J. Swartz et al. (2019). Psychosocial interventions in schizophrenia. CNS Drugs, 33(4), 351–363.
• H. M. Lieberman et al. (2020). Early intervention in psychosis: Strategies and outcomes. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 46(3), 651–660.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Schizophrenia. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
• M. M. Smith & E. S. Johnson (2016). Approaches to managing antipsychotic side effects. Psychopharmacology Reports, 36(2), 124–130.
• P. Kumar & Y. Chen. (2021). Family intervention in schizophrenia: Outcomes and challenges. Journal of Family Psychology, 35(2), 230–238.
• W. T. Liu et al. (2019). The role of psychosocial treatments in schizophrenia. Psychiatric Clinics, 42(2), 185–197.