Reference no: EM133844619

Question

Toby is a 26 year old who is experiencing psychotic phenomena and depression with suicidality in the context of significant substance abuse and associated criminal behaviour. Toby has been admitted to the mental health unit. His substance of choice is synthetic marijuana because it is cheap and available over the counter at the local tobacconist. At his intake assessment, he presents with some insight into his substance abuse and is complaining of very low mood, not being able to sleep, feeling highly anxious and paranoid that people are watching him. He has no specific plan but has increasing suicidal thoughts brought on by a voice telling him to kill himself and to make sure no one gets in his way. Toby's self-esteem is low, and he believes he is useless because he cannot decide whether to harm himself or not.

Toby reluctantly agrees that maybe some prescribed medication might help him but worries that medication will take away his feelings of being special, creative and having special powers.

You introduce yourself to Toby and explain that you are looking after him.

1. Which neuro-transmitter chemical is responsible for cognitive functioning and maybe deficient in a person with psychosis/schizophrenia?

2. On admission to the ward, the Doctor prescribes Toby an atypical antipsychotic. Name two (2) advantages of atypical antipsychotic medication.

3. Toby reports experiencing positive symptoms of his psychosis. Provide two (2) examples of positive symptoms.

4. You have identified that Toby is at risk of suicidality. Identify two (2) risk factors in the case study that put Toby at risk of suicide.

5. When Toby displays challenging behaviour, provide two (2) examples of how you may support for Toby.

6. Toby is going to be discharged from the ward tomorrow. What important psychoeducation will you provide for Toby in relation to relapse prevention? Do not include taking medication on time each day.