A Critical Analysis of Paranoid Schizophrenia Case Study
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You are required to produce a 3000 word essay based on the case study below. You are required to critically address the following points:
1. Discuss what is meant by mental health and illness and relates the diagnosis in the case study to these concepts
2. Discuss the possible causes and functional difficulties associated with the diagnosis identified in the case study
3. A) Discuss the best ways in which Martin parents might help him
B) What specific challenges do you think Martin may present
4. Reflects on the impact of a diagnosis of mental illness on the individual both in general terms and specifically in relation to the case study
5. Discuss what types of support and treatment might be most effective in relation to the case study
Case Study
Probable diagnosis – Paranoid Schizophrenia (specifically, a young man who is experiencing his first psychotic episode)
Martin is 19 years old and has recently moved away from home to study medicine at University. Over the past few weeks his friends have noticed increasingly unusual behaviours. On numerous occasions, they’ve overheard him whispering in an agitated voice, even though there is no one nearby. Lately, he has refused to answer or make calls on his mobile phone, claiming that if he does it will activate a deadly chip that was implanted in his brain by Chinese spies.
His parents have tried to get him to go with them to a psychiatrist for assessment, but he refuses. He has accused them on several occasions of conspiring with the Chinese to have him killed so they can use his organs for transplants. He has stopped attended classes altogether and he is now so far behind in his coursework that he will fail if something doesn’t change very soon.
Although Martin occasionally has a few beers with his friends, he’s never been known to misuse alcohol or use drugs. He does, however, have an estranged aunt who has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals over the years due to erratic and bizarre behaviour although nobody in the family really talks about her.
Marking Criteria
Presentation 33%
Correct referencing, presentation and written expression
• Cite all sources accurately and appropriately within the text and reference list using the Harvard method
• Introduction clearly identifies the aim of the work and the areas to be addressed
• Clearly organised and structured work with effective signposting
• Clearly presented [double spacing, pagination and word count on title page],
• Appropriate academic tone [avoiding slang] and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Conclusion summarises main points of and discusses the main implications arising from the discussion
Content 33%
Addresses the module material as identified in the learning outcomes
• Select and use theories and research relevant to the assignment
• Demonstrates a depth of knowledge and accuracy when discussing concepts, theories and research
• Discuss the causes, course, symptoms and functional difficulties associated with the type of mental illness identified within the case study
• Reflects on the experience and impact of a diagnosis of mental illness
• Discuss what types of support are most important
Analysis 34%
Level of analysis
• Examines value of sources of information
• Presents contrasting or conflicting perspective(s)
• Resolves contradictions
• Originality of approach
• Construct and sustain a coherent discussion
• Elements of critical discussion
