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Respond to classmates in a minimum of 175 words each person, post must be substantive responses: 

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The diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia must involve two or more of the DSM listed symptoms.

In order to make an accurate Schizophrenia diagnosis, the client must present with at least one of the first three primary symptoms. These are delusion, hallucinations and disorganized speech. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). These initial standards are found in section “A” of the criteria information and is followed by other criteria which includes disorganized or catatonic behavior and or diminished expression. American Psychiatric Association. (2013).

Section “B- F” covers the process of clarifying the quality of the individual’s experience, exploring how the current behavior differs from normal behaviors prior to the onset of any adverse symptoms. This portion of the criteria seeks to clearly address other possible conditions that could provide insight for a more accurate diagnosis. These considerations include whether or not the condition has lasted for at least one full month within a 6-month period as well as ensuring that symptoms are not attributed to substance use.

The most effective drug used for clients who are resistant to standard anti psychotic drugs is Clozapine. The drug is considered a golden standard of second line treatments for Schizophrenia and is reported to assist in decreasing suicidal tendencies. Warnez, S., & Alessi-Severini, S. (2014).

The concern with this drug is its potential side effect to produce a condition called agranulocytosis which involves the reduction of white blood cells.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

Warnez, S., & Alessi-Severini, S. (2014). Clozapine: a review of clinical practice guidelines and prescribing trends. BMC psychiatry, 14, 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-14-102

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What is the diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia?  

Diagnostic Criteria 295.90 (20.9)

Two or more of the following must be present for a significant portion of a month or more. One of them must be 1, 2, or 3.

 

1. Delusions

2. Hallucinations

3. Disorganized speech

4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior

5. Negative emotion

 

For a significant portion this must impede work, self-care and personal relations.

Continuous signs of disturbance must be present and there must be one month of symptoms. 

Disorders such as schizoaffective, depressive or bipolar disorder with psychotic features must be ruled out.

Disturbance may not be attributable to substance such as a drug or another medical condition. 

In a person with Autism delusions and hallucinations must be primary (APA, 2013).

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5(5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

 

What is the most effective drug therapy for people with schizophrenia who are resistant to standard antipsychotic drugs?

 

“Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic in terms of managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia” (Patel, Cherian, Gohil, & Atkinson, 2014, p. 7)

 

 

Patel, K. R., Cherian, J., Gohil, K., & Atkinson, D. (2014). Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 39(9), 638–645.