NURS2007 - Mental Health : Schizophrenia

NAME : Tao Jaravani
UNIT : HSNS 510
ASSSIGNMENT : Written Assignment 1
UNIT COORDINATOR: Irene Ikafa

Introduction
Mental health refers to the state of health whereby an individual is able to identify their potential,
cope with the life’s challenges, and have the ability to execute their duties fruitfully (World
Health Organization, 2014). According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013), most
Australians of age between 16 and 85 have experienced some form of mental health issue at
some point in their life. Schizophrenia is the main mental issue, which affects an individuals
behaviors, thoughts, and perception. According to Barker (2009), about 1 in 100 people develop
this illness and out of the total Australian population, 285, 000 people are suffering from
schizophrenia. The paper will discuss on the psychiatric, family and social history, mental health
assessment, and finally, the paper will look at the available interventions
Family and Social History
Andy is 21 years of age. He is in his final year in university where he shares a room with his
friends. Andy is going through a worrying experience. His family practitioner refers him to a
psychiatrist. Andy feels that his friend are out to hurt him. He feels that his friends have put some
stuff in his brain, which is scheming his thoughts. He is scared getting out of the room and his
appetite is deteriorating as he is thinking that his friends are putting poison in his food.
Andy has symptoms of persecutory, insertion, hallucinations, and third person auditory. There
are no record of personal histories like family history, his development, and childhood
environment that would expose him to mental illness. However, he has an history of using drugs
like weed and cannabis. Andy agrees to consume a large volume of weed daily with his friends.
Andy visits his parents quite often and her mother is concerned with his condition who together

with the family practitioner refer him to the psychiatrist. Andy is willing to get help as he does
not want to worry his parents.
Mental State assessment
Appearance
Andy’s personal hygiene is up to standard despite being unshaved. His weight and height are
normal. His body posture is appropriate and he appeared tidy and well-groomed. However, he
looked worried and confused.
Behavior
Andy had poor eye contact and appeared restless. He was not coordinating between non- verbal
and verbal communication
Speech
His speech was monotonous and incoherent.
Affect and Mood
Andy is anxious and worried as he thinks his friends are after him. For instance, he is saying that
his friends are putting poison in his food.
Thoughts
Andy reports no sign of thought disorder.
Thought Content