Treatment plan for Paranoid- type Schizophrenia Case Study

Treatment plan for Paranoid- type Schizophrenia - Case Study Example The paper tells that the goals of treatment for paranoid- type schizophrenia emphasize the promotion of safety of the client and other involved people, ensuring proper nutrition, enhancing therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist, and prevention of complications associated with medications and inappropriate social behavior. Recent developments in mental health research stress out the importance of treating the client as an individual case rather than as part of the general afflicted population. In considering the treatment plan in this particular scenario, the psychiatric diagnosis may be complicated with the consideration of the client’s current substance abuse. Since substance abuse appears to be co- morbid for this client’s case, prescription of medications should consider all aspects that could hinder the client’s adherence to the regimen. When the climax of the appearance of signs and symptoms starts to stabilize, assistance may be neede d to facilitate the client’s reintegration to the society. In this phase of treatment, follow- up care should facilitate the participation of the client’s family to identify early signs and symptoms of relapse. Since the client is potentially harmful to herself and others, safety should be regarded as the highest priority. Based on the initial assessment performed in the clinic, the client looked paranoid and seemed to be threatened by her new environment. At this moment, it is important that the therapist approach the client in a non threatening manner. Furthermore, the therapist should also be careful not to sound authoritarian as it may increase the client’s stress level. Space is a vital component to be considered especially in the early phase of interventions (Videbect, 2007). With the status of the client, preemptive measures should include securing a physician’s order for administering medication to control potentially injurious behaviors. Moreover , the therapist should continue to observe signs of escalating aggression such as pacing, kicking, and yelling. A quiet and less stimulating environment may be helpful in calming the client. However, seclusion and other forms of restraints may also be needed in heightened situations. Evaluation of this intervention is concurrent and does not end until the client demonstrates full recovery. The therapist should be careful in deciding whether the client has fully achieved a mental status at a functional level. Research has suggested that the client’s report of feeling a sense of well- being is never an assurance that the risk for self- injury has subsided (Videbect, 2007). Management of medications and side effects Another important aspect regarding the establishment and maintenance of safety for the client is the careful monitoring of the adverse effects of medications (Valenstein et al., 2011). Potent psychotropic drugs may affect the organ function, especially the liver and kidneys, of clients on prolonged therapy. BUN and liver enzymes monitoring should be part of the treatment regimen to ensure that the client maintains a safe level of the medication. Other minor side effects like frequent urination, constipation, dry mouth, and photosensitivity may affect the client’s adherence to prescribed therapy. Most patients initiating antipsychotic medications tend to terminate the regimen within the first few months of treatment (Olfson et al., 2007). Studies have shown that failure to follow the prescribed medications for mental health conditions is the most common cause of relapse of psychotic symptoms and subsequent hospital readmission (Videbect, 2007). With proper adherence to the prescribed therapy, the client is expected to attain a functional recovery and lead a normal life. Actually, the client’s adherence to the prescribed regimen may be facilitated by the therapist in various ways.