Altered Perception: A Case Study on Substance-Induced Psychosis and Mental Health Needs

This case study explores the impact of substance-induced psychosis on mental health needs. It discusses the importance of recovery, treatment approaches, and implications for mental health professionals.

Running head: CASE STUDY
Altered perception
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Introduction- Psychotic episodes and/or disorders are found to arise under
circumstances when an individual reports experiences of meaningfully transformed or
inaccurate perception of the already existing reality. These distortions are found to be
triggered or caused by hallucinations or false perceptions, and delusions or false beliefs
(Fusar-Poli et al., 2016). Furthermore, an altered perception in a person is also influenced by
disorganised or disrupted thinking. Prevalence of psychotic disorders are greater for men,
when compared to women, regardless of their age group (Dealberto, 2013).
Reports from the Department of Health. (2011) states that the prevalence rates are
approximately 1.8 and 2.2 cases per 1,000 population for males and females, respectively.
Furthermore, the overall prevalence of psychotic illnesses is an estimated 4.5 cases per 1,000
population. This assignment will elaborate on a case study of Tom, a teenager, residing in a
remote area. The person is a school drop-out and has a past history of interrupted
employment. Although he began working as a mechanic, he reported hearing voices that
demeaned and stigmatised him. These symptoms were also concomitant with the fear of his
supervisor implanting cameras to monitor and rebuke him for some mistakes. The signs lead
to gradual agitation, followed by quitting from the job on grounds of being constantly abused
and watched by cameras. The essay will illustrate the mental condition of the client and will
also respond to his mental health needs.
Mental health and mental illness- Mental health encompasses the psychological,
emotional, and social wellbeing of all people. It creates a direct impact on the ways by which
people think, act and feel about themselves and the surroundings (Meyer, 2013). It also
facilitates the determination of strategies and approaches to relate to others, handle stress, and
make choices. In other words, mental health is considered imperative at every phase of life,
beginning from infantile stage, adolescence, till adulthood. Over the course of their lives,
most people experience mental health difficulties that create a major influence on the

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behaviour, mood and thinking capabilities. Caplan, (2013) affirmed that some of the common
factors that are responsible for the onset of mental health problems are namely, (i) biological
factors, (ii) life experiences, and (iii) family history. In other words, mental health does not
only mean the non-appearance of any mental or behavioural complaint, but comprises of a
phase where a person has attained a reasonable integration of the instinctive drives that are
tolerable to both oneself and the communal setting, besides helping in the establishment of an
appropriate equilibrium of work, love, and leisure pursuits (Hunt et al., 2013).
Thus, a person having sound mental health is expected to successfully perform all
mental functions, which in turn result in fulfilling relationships, productive activities, and
ability to cope up with the adverse situations. On the other hand, mental illness, commonly
referred to as psychiatric disorders are responsible for causing prominent distress and an
impairment in the normal functioning of an affected person. Such features of mental illness
are expected to be relapsing, persistent, and remitting. Some of the common mental disorders
encompass depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, phobia, OCD, and panic
disorder (Vigo, Thornicroft & Atun, 2016). Reports published by the World Health
Organization states that as much as half of the entire global population is already affected
with mental illness, which creates a negative impact on the relationships, self-esteem, self-
confidence and ability to carry out daily activities (WHO, 2018).
Mental health and physical health- A strong difference has often been made between
the 'mind' and the 'body'. Nonetheless, Halfon, Larson and Slusser (2013) suggested that there
are manifold relations between mental health and lasting physical conditions that
meaningfully influence the quality of life of people, creates a demand on publicly funded
health services and healthcare, and generates severe concerns. Evidences have established an
association between poor physical health and augmented risk of being affected by mental
health problems. Likewise, poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health,

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leading to an increased risk of some conditions (Herrenkohl et al., 2013). Individuals
suffering from depression have reported poor health status, and self-perceived health, in
comparison to other people without any mental health problems.
The combination of depression and heart disease have been found to reduce social
interaction, when compared to presence of either condition alone (Elderon & Whooley,
2013). Physical ailments have been found to complicate the evaluation and treatment of
mental illnesses by mimicking or masking its signs and symptoms. Likewise, individuals
suffering from chronic physical illness display an increased likelihood of suffering from
psychological distress, when compared to healthy people. Additionally, feelings and thoughts
that are generated in the mind exerts a control over the secretion of hormones from the
endocrine glands, which in turn controls the physical health of a person (Townsend &
Morgan, 2017). Similarly, the white-coat syndrome also connects the dots between mental
and physical health. In this condition the blood pressure of a person increases once they enter
a doctor’s chambers and leads to anxiety, which gradually lowers on leaving the particular
setting.
Personal recovery- Recovery in mental health, does not necessarily refer to the
procedure of comprehensive retrieval from a mental health disorder, in the method that the
affected person might recuperate from the prevailing physical health problem. The perception
of recovery for several people comprises of gaining a control over their lives, notwithstanding
experiences of a mental health problem (Slade et al., 2014). Health care professionals
employed in the mental health area often mention the 'recovery model' for describing the
different ways of human thinking. Implementing recovery from mental illness into an action
refers to converging care on facilitating recovery of the person and constructing the pliability
of individuals diagnosed with mental health problems, merely not managing or treating their
symptoms. According to Solli, Rolvsjord and Borg (2013) recovery of Tom from his altered

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perception would encompass a process that would provide him with a vision and outlook
towards leading a meaningful and purposeful life.
An analysis of the case study indicates that although Tom does not have any physical
illness, and reports absence of family history for mental distress, he suffers from substance
abuse. Hence, it can be suggested that the recovery process should address his condition as a
direct manifestation of substance-induced psychosis. A holistic view of the mental illness
should be presented that would focus on not only Tom, but also his presenting complaints
(Moran et al., 2013). His condition can be explained as the illness that encompasses false
beliefs, hallucinations and delusions, which are contrary to clear evidences, and caused due to
the action of prolonged substance abuse (Fasihpour, Molavi & Shariat, 2013). Hence, the
primary objective would be to avert his substance abuse habits. Recovery service should
focus on uniqueness of the individual where it would be accepted that the outcomes for Tom
are unique and personal and he should be empowered to recognise the care that is being
implemented (Department of Health, 2010). The recovery practice should also focus on
allowing him make real choices. Patient empowerment helps people to understand their
individual role and participate in clinical decision-making (Girma et al., 2013). Thus, Tom
should be given a clear understanding of the risk factors that would increase his susceptibility
of suffering from poor mental health and should also be educated on the treatment and
management of his psychotic disorder.
Recovery from mental disorders is not a destination, but a journey that requires
commitment and optimism from all concerned stakeholders and professionals. Thus, effective
steps must be taken to act upon, listen and promote Tom in safeguarding his rights, while
instilling in him hopefulness for future. Respect and protection of human rights are the
prerequisites for ensuring that none of the individuals suffering from poor mental health are
stripped of their poise. Thus, the recovery journey would involve demonstrating

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courteousness, respect and honesty towards Tom in all situations, besides challenging all
forms of discrimination that he is subjected to at his work place or community (Kopelovich et
al., 2013). According to Varcarolis (2016) effective partnership and communication would
also prove vital in his recovery owing to the fact that communication will facilitate sharing of
relevant information, thus facilitating management strategies. Adolescents and peer
relationships play an important role in their development and also helps in the acquisition of
competence and personal identity. Effective communication with Tom will help in
empowering him and removing suicidal ideations, thus enhancing his mental health.
Mental health needs- Needs of the affected person refer to the form of care that
should be delivered to make relationships between people respectful, cordial and mutually
supportive (Collins & Saxena, 2016). Owing to the fact that Tom engages in substance abuse,
he is expected to be specifically sensitive to community cues, with families and peer groups
being extremely persuasive during this time. Time and again it has been proved that
engagement of family members in treatment of mental illness helps in addressing the
concerns of the affected person through encouragement, alliance formation and openness
(Carman et al., 2013). His mother and siblings will be able to motivate him to lead a
meaningful life, by abstaining from the use of cannabis and alcohol. Identifying his mental
need that encompasses isolation from the society, treatment strategies should also encompass
seeking consultation from the local support groups. Fasihpour, Molavi and Shariat (2013)
provided evidence for the fact that substance-induced psychosis makes it difficult for an
affected person to maintain sound mental capacity, thus impairing communication and
recognition skills. Help from support groups will comprise of non-professional assistance for
the burdensome life.
Hearing lived experiences of people who have been able to successfully recover from
similar mental issues will make Tom feel more empowered and will also inculcate in him a

6CASE STUDY
sense of belonging (Gunasekara et al., 2014). Owing to the fact that his hallucinations make
him feel being constantly monitored or watched, there is a need to take him to sober houses
where an interim environment will divert him from the mainstream society (Polcin, 2016).
Living in a structured environment will allow Tom to maintain sobriety. Another mental need
is the compelling sense of reality, caused due to the hallucinations faced by Tom. Evidence
by Meltzer (2013) have suggested that atypical antipsychotics are particularly helpful in
treating such condition, by blocking the dopamine pathways in the brain. Thus, drugs such as,
aripripazole and olanzapine should be administered to lower the prevalence of hallucinations,
thereby helping in his recovery. One significant impact of delusion, as reported by Tom is
that it creates distress by making the patients hold onto a false belief. Thus, another mental
health need is trustworthiness. Genuine smiles while interacting with Tom can help in
inducing a positive feeling (Kohut, 2014). Hence, demonstration of empathy towards the
sufferings of Tom will make him feel wanted and that his issues are being cared for. Stigma
towards mental illness has been found to profoundly create an impact on the health status and
quality of life of the sufferers. Some actionable treatment strategies would be to investigate
the underlying feelings and intentions that have made Tom more vulnerable to the mental
illness. Time should also be taken to recognise the emotions and feelings that accompany his
experiences of delusion and hallucinations.
Implications- The recovery process and treatment approaches recognised in the
previous sections will help mental health professionals to recognise the complexity of the
biological bases that underlines all psychiatric diseases. It will further enhance the
understanding of mental disorders as a multifaceted relationship between psychological,
social, biological, and lifestyle factors, thus paving the way for rational treatment. This in
turn will allow the professionals to realise the importance of mental health and assist them in
the identification of early signs and symptoms. Recognition of signs in the initial stages of the

7CASE STUDY
diseases such as, decrease in energy, confusion, severe mood swings, self-harm thoughts,
withdrawal, and increase in alcohol or drug intake will immediately result in the
implementation of effective strategies for reducing severity of mental illnesses (Arnett,
Žukauskienė & Sugimura, 2014). The findings will also make the health professionals realise
the importance of educating the public about the warning signs, and the need of reducing
stigma and stereotypes against the affected people.
Conclusion- An analysis of the case study suggested that Tom had been affected by
substance-induced psychosis that made him manifest prominent psychotic symptoms of
delusions and hallucinations. Prolonged use of cannabis and alcohol worsened his condition.
Hence, all efforts must be taken to help him in the recovery process. Proper recovery will
assist Tom to improve his health and wellness, and would also help him live a self-directed
life, by achieving his full potential. To conclude, working in partnership with the client,
implementing new treatment and management techniques will allow Tom to thrive in his
society, and further expedite his movement towards a rewarding life, beyond his health
condition.

8CASE STUDY
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