Diagnosing Psychosis: Schizophrenia Spectrum

Schizophrenia, which appears in individuals in their young-adult years, is one of the most disabling conditions that an individual can develop. Unlike many other DSM-5 disorders, the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia have been studied for a long time. Symptoms of the illness appear similarly across races and cultures, although cultures vary widely in how they handle the illness.

No matter in what culture an individual is raised, it is universal that the onset profoundly changes the life course of the individual and their family members. Phases of the illness vary, in a cycle, but delays in treatment are often associated with increased difficulty in functioning. The medical model is a key element of stabilizing schizophrenia, but psychosocial interventions are increasingly critical if families and patients are to avoid the high rates of suicide, despair, isolation, unemployment, and homelessness that can result. Early and ongoing psychosocial and cognitive treatments can stabilize lives.

This week you analyze examples of individuals living with schizophrenia. You also present to the class your own differential diagnostic process for your collaboration case.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze a case study focused on a schizophrenia disorder utilizing steps of differential diagnosis
• Recommend a measurement instrument to validate diagnosis
• Analyze client experiences with schizophrenia
• Apply measures to aid diagnosing psychosis in a social work case study
• Create an individualized treatment plan for a schizophrenia diagnosis in a social work case study

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Morrison, J. (2014). Diagnosis made easier (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Chapter 5, “Coping with Uncertainty” (pp. 43–56)
Chapter 13, “Diagnosing Psychosis” (pp. 185–215)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013p). Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm02

American Psychiatric Association. (2013b). Assessment measures. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.AssessmentMeasures

Required Media

Schizophrenia, which appears in individuals in their young-adult years, is one of the most disabling conditions that an individual can develop. Unlike many other DSM-5 disorders, the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia have been studied for a long time. Symptoms of the illness appear similarly across races and cultures, although cultures vary widely in how they handle the illness.

No matter in what culture an individual is raised, it is universal that the onset profoundly changes the life course of the individual and their family members. Phases of the illness vary, in a cycle, but delays in treatment are often associated with increased difficulty in functioning. The medical model is a key element of stabilizing schizophrenia, but psychosocial interventions are increasingly critical if families and patients are to avoid the high rates of suicide, despair, isolation, unemployment, and homelessness that can result. Early and ongoing psychosocial and cognitive treatments can stabilize lives.

This week you analyze examples of individuals living with schizophrenia. You also present to the class your own differential diagnostic process for your collaboration case.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze a case study focused on a schizophrenia disorder utilizing steps of differential diagnosis
• Recommend a measurement instrument to validate diagnosis
• Analyze client experiences with schizophrenia
• Apply measures to aid diagnosing psychosis in a social work case study
• Create an individualized treatment plan for a schizophrenia diagnosis in a social work case study

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Morrison, J. (2014). Diagnosis made easier (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Chapter 5, “Coping with Uncertainty” (pp. 43–56)
Chapter 13, “Diagnosing Psychosis” (pp. 185–215)

American Psychiatric Association. (2013p). Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm02

American Psychiatric Association. (2013b). Assessment measures. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.AssessmentMeasures

• Required Media