Schizophrenia and Comorbid Substance Abuse Case Study

Assignment Details

Pharmacological treatment interventions for mental health, attention and memory disorders

Pharmacological treatment interventions for mental health disorders

In a 3–5 page paper:

• Diagnose the mental health issue in the following case study.

• Select and explain your pharmacological treatment approach including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug(s) you choose.

• Describe how your treatment approach will alter brain chemistry and influence behavior.

The Case Study

Mr. S. is a 22-year-old single, graduate student who comes to you (the psychology professional) complaining of insomnia. He has been experiencing insomnia, restless sleep, and “bad dreams” during the past month. Mr. S describes himself as being in good health and does not take any medications. He reports some alcohol use but denies abuse of illicit drugs. He smokes two packs of cigarettes a day and admits to drinking “a lot of coffee.” During your clinical evaluation you discover that he worries a lot about buses that pass his apartment and seem to him to slow down by his apartment. He worries that people riding those buses are there to watch him. He also admits to hearing voices that mumble unintelligible things to him. He appears to be quite anxious and somewhat agitated as he talks. Mr. S. describes himself as a loner but has connections with his immediate family. He says that he has always felt “empty.”

The Assignment should:

• Follow Assignment directions (review grading rubric for best results).

• Use correct APA formatting per the APA Publication Manual , 6th ed.

• Demonstrate college-level communication through the composition of original materials in Standard American English.

• Be written in Standard American English and be clear, specific, and error-free. If needed, be sure to use the University Writing Center for help.

Your paper should include:

• Title Page

• Abstract

• Main Body of the paper (3–5 pages)

• Reference Page

Unit 6 Assignment Rubric

% - Points

Course Content

Student is able to diagnose the mental health issue in the case study.

0-50

Student is able to select and explain an appropriate pharmacological treatment approach including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug(s) chosen.

0-30

Student is able to describe how the selected treatment approach will alter brain chemistry and influence behavior.

0-32

Writing

Style and Mechanics: Clear and logical organization; paragraphs and sentences are well developed. Uses correct grammar, spelling, and

punctuation. Meets length requirements. 0-14

APA Style: Formatted correctly using APA style. Provides references to support conclusions. Paraphrased correctly and accurately; direct quotes used minimally. 0-14

Total Points 140

An explanation of the points earned, as well as where the Assignment could be strengthened will be included with your grade.