Compare/contrast Schizophrenia from Schizoaffective disorder in terms of the following parameters. Discuss the following in your post.
Age-appropriate, culturally responsive, comprehensive assessment.
Description of postulated pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disorder- these should be linked to common symptoms observed in clients who present with this illness.
What behaviors on the part of the client (with either condition) would lead you to believe that they may be experiencing a psychiatric emergency?
Develop a general treatment plan for either disorder- what evidence-based psychotherapies would you plan include? What evidence-based psychopharmacologic approaches would be appropriate?
Discuss any legal/ethical issues inherent in the care of the individual with either condition (schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder).
How would you know if the care of this client (either in an acute episode or chronic care) exceeded your clinical competence? How would you proceed with the client’s care in this case?
What other professionals would you consider including in the care/treatment of this client, and why?
Age-appropriate, culturally responsive, comprehensive assessment.
Schizophrenia can occur at any age, but the average age of onset is late teens and early 20s for males and between late 20s and early 30s for females. The onset of schizoaffective disorder is 16–30 years. However, many people with schizoaffective disorder may be misdiagnosed with either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The incidence, symptoms, and outcomes of people diagnosed with schizophrenia may vary cross-culturally. There are differences in the symptoms and presentation, outcome, and prognosis. The clinical expression of schizoaffective disorder varies across cultures, and treatment outcomes are better in developing countries than in developed countries.
The diagnosis of schizophrenia should be preferably made according to current diagnostic criteria. A comprehensive assessment of schizophrenia involves the collection of a detailed history from all possible sources and a physical examination. This includes blood pressure and weight, and a mental state examination. The assessment can also include a hemogram, blood sugars, liver functions, and electrocardiogram.
The comprehensive assessment of schizoaffective disorder looks into symptom history, medical history, and the patient’s family medical and psychiatric history. It may also involve a physical examination, which includes a neurological and mental status examination. To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia symptoms must have been present for at least two weeks, depression and/or mania throughout. The symptoms are not caused by any substance or medical condition. APA