Pamela Spiro presents with many of the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, and after many years finally receives a correct psychiatric diagnosis. According to the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013), in order to meet a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a client must present with at least two of the following symptoms for a duration of one month: delusions; hallucinations; disorganized speech; disorganized or catatonic behavior; or negative symptoms. In addition, the client must experience a disturbance for at least six months and significant level of impairment in life as a result of the symptoms. Delusions begin early in life for Pam. These distressing symptoms first appeared after a stressful event: learning of the assassination
…show more content…
Although she is able to maintain her health long enough to attain a bachelor’s degree, Pam’s functioning takes a turn for the worse after beginning medical school. She is unable to continue medical school and soon finds herself in a cycle of entering and leaving numerous psychiatric hospitals. During this time, Pam is unable to hold a job and lives off of disability checks. On several occasions she struggles to find a permanent place to live, and nearly ends up homeless. She remains single throughout her life and has difficulty engaging in social interactions outside of her small group of friends. Altogether, these aspects combine to create a picture of a person whose life has been drastically affected by the cruel symptoms of schizophrenia. This level of functioning is obviously a stark decrease from her previous functioning throughout childhood and adolescence. Pam’s account of her treatment by mental health professionals raises some serious ethical concerns. At the onset of her treatment by the first psychiatrist she sees, Dr. Schein, he confronts her for her behavior, treats her like a child, and shames her for treatment of her parents. None of these methods are in any way helpful or therapeutic for poor Pam. Afterwards, while being treated in Psy-1, Dr. Daud treats Pam in a similar way; he speaks harshly to her when does not cooperate, and talks with the nurse about Pam as if she is not there. Pam even likens the treatment at this hospital to
Although she is able to maintain her health long enough to attain a bachelor’s degree, Pam’s functioning takes a turn for the worse after beginning medical school. She is unable to continue medical school and soon finds herself in a cycle of entering and leaving numerous psychiatric hospitals. During this time, Pam is unable to hold a job and lives off of disability checks. On several occasions she struggles to find a permanent place to live, and nearly ends up homeless. She remains single throughout her life and has difficulty engaging in social interactions outside of her small group of friends. Altogether, these aspects combine to create a picture of a person whose life has been drastically affected by the cruel symptoms of schizophrenia. This level of functioning is obviously a stark decrease from her previous functioning throughout childhood and adolescence. Pam’s account of her treatment by mental health professionals raises some serious ethical concerns. At the onset of her treatment by the first psychiatrist she sees, Dr. Schein, he confronts her for her behavior, treats her like a child, and shames her for treatment of her parents. None of these methods are in any way helpful or therapeutic for poor Pam. Afterwards, while being treated in Psy-1, Dr. Daud treats Pam in a similar way; he speaks harshly to her when does not cooperate, and talks with the nurse about Pam as if she is not there. Pam even likens the treatment at this hospital to