The Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia Relating to the Symptoms of the Patient in the Case Study

The Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia Relating to the Symptoms of the Patient in the Case Study

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental infirmity distinguished by a range of symptoms. The emphatic symptoms of schizophrenia include phantasmagoria, delusions, disjointed speech, and applesauce behavior (Arfani, 2018). In the case study above, the patient demonstrates numerous positive symptoms consistent with schizophrenia. The existence of auditory hallucinations, where the patient hears voices and believes everyone is out to get him, is a definitive symptom. These hallucinations contribute to his belief that he is not intelligent enough to finish school, as he is domineered by the voices he hears. The patient also indicates disorganized behavior and speech, as apparent by his episodes of unexpected rage, crying, and rambling conversations. In addition, his poor eye contact interrupted speech and moments of apparent listening to things that do not exist suggest disorganized thoughts. Considering the family history of mental issues, along with a history of heavy drinking and the use of marijuana during adolescence, the advanced practice registered nurse’s intuition of schizophrenia seems reasonable based on the existence of such emphatic symptoms.

The Genetics of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a multiplex psychiatric infirmity influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic implementation of schizophrenia has been extensively studied, and research has shown a severe hereditary component to the disorder. While the actual genetic mechanism underlying schizophrenia is not entirely comprehended, it is believed that multiple genes are included, each contributing a small risk (McCutcheon et al., 2020). Family studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals with a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, who has schizophrenia are at a higher risk of acquiring the infirmity themselves contrasted to the general population. The case study shows that the first cousin has mental issues indicating a possible genetic predisposition for schizophrenia within the family. Genome-wide association studies have recognized various genetic variations connected to an elevated risk of schizophrenia (Ikeda et al., 2018). These variations are consistently located in neurotransmission, synaptic function, and brain evolvement genes. It is essential to note that having these genetic variations does not mean an individual will acquire schizophrenia, as other factors, like environmental stimulation, also participate. Environmental factors like prenatal infections, complications during birth, exposure to specific toxins, and stressful life events can interact with genetic vulnerabilities to elevate the risk of acquiring the disorder. With the exact genetic cause of schizophrenia remaining complex and multifactorial, research suggests that there is a solid genetic element to the infirmity. Multiple genes, combined with environmental factors, subscribe to an individual’s vulnerability to suffering from schizophrenia.