Introduction to the mental health needs of persons

Reference no: EM133397201

Assignment:

Gerald was adopted at 3 years of age and raised on a farm in southeastern Ontario. He had a mild developmental disability and was a poor student. In his late teens, he was identified as being "easily led" and got involved in a variety of delinquent behaviours. At 19, he stole candy from a variety store and was taken to a psychiatric hospital by police when they observed behaviours suggestive of a mental disorder.

On examination, Gerald had a thought disorder, reported auditory hallucinations and laughed about his delinquent behaviours. He was put on antipsychotic medications and his hallucinations disappeared. However, he continued to engage in illegal activities and was in a variety of settings such as jail, psychiatric hospital and group homes.

Gerald is now 50 and lives in a group home for people with developmental disabilities. It has been observed that he has become more passive and refuses to take part in previously enjoyed activities. His life skills have deteriorated and he does not react emotionally to what is happening around him. He says that his voices have returned and they are telling him to hurt himself. A new behaviour of considerable concern is attempting at bodily harm including piercing his skin with sharp objects and swallowing foreign objects. It is becoming more difficult to have a coherent conversation with him. People who know Gerald well have said that "he just doesn't seem to care anymore".

Based upon a scenario from Dual Diagnosis, An Introduction to the Mental Health Needs of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Griffiths et al, 2002.

Gerald has either schizophrenia or depression.

List the DSM-5 symptoms from the diagnosis you have chosen and provide examples from the scenario that match those symptoms. Explain your choice, based on his symptoms. This question requires you to supply specific details and explore chapters of your textbook to become familiar with its content.

Reference no: EM133397201

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