Randy's Case: Schizophrenia Case Study Analysis

Introduction

From the analysis of Randy case study, it is evident that Randy meets the criteria for schizophrenia. After reviewing the DSM-IV diagnosis criteria, several symptoms related to schizophrenia were identified. The symptoms were each present for a significant portion of time during one month.

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Diagnosis

According to the DSM-IV schizophrenia include:

Models of Abnormality for Schizophrenia

Cognitive

The cognitive approach assumes that an individual's thoughts are responsible for the behaviors that the individual portrays. Psychiatrists argue that how a person processes information in the brain influences their behavior. How a person perceives anticipates and evaluates information about events. This is an automatic process, and thus we do not think about it. For Randy's case, he has had the continuous delusion of persecution. He thought that the TV had stolen his brain. Also Randy ,is sure that the police have put arsenic in his garden plot. This clearly shows that his perception of information about events influenced his behavior.

Behavioral

According to the behavioral model of abnormality, all maladaptive behavior is essentially acquired through one's environment. Behavioral psychiatrists believe that human beings actions are determined largely by the experiences we have in life. Behaviorists, therefore, argue that abnormality should be seen as the development of behavioral patterns which can be considered maladaptive. In the case of Randy, he develops behaviors which can be considered maladaptive. Randy has over the last ten years been paranoid, hearing voices and social withdrawing himself. Randy is worried that the TV stole his brain and that the police have been putting arsenic in his garden.

Biological

This model of abnormality is based on the belief that disorders have a physical or organic cause. The main focus of this approach is on neurophysiology, genetics, biochemistry, neuroanatomy, etc. based on Randy's he has shown signs of illness beforehand being disorganized. He began to have issues during his first year of college. Therefore it is imperative to include the biological approach in his diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Recommendation

Milieu therapy is the recommended treatment plan for Randy. A milieu therapy refers to a type of therapy whereby a controlled environment creates a social setting where schizophrenia patient can learn how to act responsibly. A mock of today's real world is used to create an environment where the patient can learn. The second treatment plan which can be used to treat Randy's case is token economy therapy. This therapy involves the use of tokens to reinforce certain behaviors. For example, Randy can be promised a new knife to kill the game after he has had a civilized conversation with someone for an hour.

Works Cited

"Macmillan Launchpad: Login". Macmillanhighered.Com, 2019