Schizoaffective disorder involves the characteristics of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder includes assessing a patient’s history and current symptoms. Amy, a 25-year-old mixed Asian and Caucasian woman is the focus of the case study. Misdiagnosis can include bipolar or schizophrenia, proper assessment of both history and current symptoms are necessary for correct diagnosis. Treatment of schizoaffective disorder consists of medications, psychotherapy, self-management strategies and education. The goal of this study is to improve the quality of life for the Amy and the people involved with the life of Amy.
Amy is a 25-year-old Asian and Caucasian mixed woman, with no prior …show more content…
Amy went through puberty, which in itself is a hard time; however, since Amy was bullied for being overweight the effects would increase significantly. Then the death of her father top things off. To push things over the edge she is unable to make social connections and her husband divorces her. The number of stressful life events for Amy has an impact on her mental state. Depending on the Amy’s genetic influences, these stressors can predict major depression disorder. “Number of Stressful Life Events Versus Probability of Major Depressive Episode. Results demonstrate the association between the number of stressful life events (between ages 21 and 26 years) and probability of a major depressive episode at age 26 as a function of 5-HTT genotype. Life events predicted a diagnosis of major depression among carriers of the s allele (ss or sl), but not among carriers of two l alleles (ll) (Butcher, 2013). To sum things up, because of Amy’s age and depending on Amy’s genetic has ss, sl or 1,11 genotype the life event that happened to Amy could or could not have cause her to have major depression …show more content…
Amy has had and uninterrupted period of illness, where she was both manic and depressed with the elements of hallucination and delusion. Amy’s delusions and hallucinations have occurred for more than two weeks in the absence of her manic or depressive episodes. Lastly, her symptoms are not due to any drug or medical condition. If the professionals decided to diagnose Amy with schizoaffective disorder, her treatment options are medication to control her moods and antipsychotic episodes. Amy’s genetic background plays a part into what kind of medication she would receive. Carbamazepine is one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment bipolar disorder. Nonetheless, it has a serious rash side effect. “In those of Asian descent, particularly Han Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, and Indian populations, having a version of the gene HLA-B known as HLA-B*1502 is highly associated with developing the rash (Bipolar Network News, 2015).” Amy being half-Asian might consider other medication options to control her mood disorder. Special consideration is necessary when proscribing medication; not with just genetics but with how the medication can affect other symptoms. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Psychotherapy can help Amy take control of her life so she can respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills (Butcher, 2013). In Amy’s situation, institutionalization might be an option,
Amy is a 25-year-old Asian and Caucasian mixed woman, with no prior …show more content…
Amy went through puberty, which in itself is a hard time; however, since Amy was bullied for being overweight the effects would increase significantly. Then the death of her father top things off. To push things over the edge she is unable to make social connections and her husband divorces her. The number of stressful life events for Amy has an impact on her mental state. Depending on the Amy’s genetic influences, these stressors can predict major depression disorder. “Number of Stressful Life Events Versus Probability of Major Depressive Episode. Results demonstrate the association between the number of stressful life events (between ages 21 and 26 years) and probability of a major depressive episode at age 26 as a function of 5-HTT genotype. Life events predicted a diagnosis of major depression among carriers of the s allele (ss or sl), but not among carriers of two l alleles (ll) (Butcher, 2013). To sum things up, because of Amy’s age and depending on Amy’s genetic has ss, sl or 1,11 genotype the life event that happened to Amy could or could not have cause her to have major depression …show more content…
Amy has had and uninterrupted period of illness, where she was both manic and depressed with the elements of hallucination and delusion. Amy’s delusions and hallucinations have occurred for more than two weeks in the absence of her manic or depressive episodes. Lastly, her symptoms are not due to any drug or medical condition. If the professionals decided to diagnose Amy with schizoaffective disorder, her treatment options are medication to control her moods and antipsychotic episodes. Amy’s genetic background plays a part into what kind of medication she would receive. Carbamazepine is one of the most widely used drugs for the treatment bipolar disorder. Nonetheless, it has a serious rash side effect. “In those of Asian descent, particularly Han Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, and Indian populations, having a version of the gene HLA-B known as HLA-B*1502 is highly associated with developing the rash (Bipolar Network News, 2015).” Amy being half-Asian might consider other medication options to control her mood disorder. Special consideration is necessary when proscribing medication; not with just genetics but with how the medication can affect other symptoms. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Psychotherapy can help Amy take control of her life so she can respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills (Butcher, 2013). In Amy’s situation, institutionalization might be an option,