Schizophrenia: Eric's Case Study

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Schizophrenia (Eric’s Case Study he suffers from Hebephrenic or disorganized
schizophrenia)
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Introduction
This essay seeks to discuss schizophrenia which is a mental health disorder that impacts
an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as demonstrated by Eric’s case who is 23 years.
This essay begins by integrating various works of literature to argue the clinical judgment as
examined by the Crisis Resolution Team since Eric’s family got concerned about his behavior
change. Further, this essay outlines the aetiology, signs, and symptoms of schizophrenia in
relation to Eric’s case based on the ICD-10 criterion. Additionally, this essay also demonstrates
an understanding of health promotion and recovery concepts that are connected to schizophrenia
that can prevent the occurrence of the problem in the future.
ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria
(Uggerby et al., 2013) outlines the ICD-10 means International Classification of
Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modification that is employed by health professionals to
code the diagnosis of illnesses (2). In this case, the ICD-10 is applied to diagnose Eric’s
condition and his signs and symptoms are well-categorized. Based on the ICD-10 diagnostic
tool, Eric seems to be suffering from Hebephrenic schizophrenia as he demonstrates prominent
affective changes, hallucinations, and delusions. Notably, Eric has unpredictable and
irresponsible behaviors that are common in patients who suffer from the same illness. Moreover,
there is a tendency of isolation as he wants to spend time in his flat and even refuses to let his
friends in the house. The issue has prolonged for the last 6 months when Eric terminated his
work and he developed inappropriate suspiciousness. When the government scientists tried to
diagnose Eric using various ways such as inserting electrodes in his brain, they identified gamma
rays from the government headquarters that instilled strange ideas in Eric’s head. However,
based on ICD-10 diagnosis there was no evidence in abnormal mood changes, disturbed motor

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functions, and incoherence speech that connects Hebephrenic Schizophrenia (Salvatore et al.,
2011). But Eric had a poor prognosis due to the rapid growth of the negative symptoms as
outlined in ICD-10. Notably, Eric also experiences perceptual disturbances that are associated
with Paranoid Schizophrenia. According to ICD-10, this type of Hebephrenic Schizophrenia is
diagnosed only in young adults or adolescents. Eric can be categorized as a young adult due to
his age (23 years) hence he is liable to be diagnosed with Hebephrenic Schizophrenia. For this
reason, Eric was sent to a psychiatric hospital for admission and he agreed as it had reached a
point whereby he feared staying at home alone.
Aetiology
Based on my personal view about Eric’s illness, it is important to evaluate his past events
such as his experiences, genes, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the signs
and symptoms. Based on the diagnosis, Eric appears to be suffering from disorganized
Schizophrenia whose cause is unknown. (Hadlich., et al 2010) outlines various factors such as
birth defects, an individual’s environment, and heredity that leads to disorganized Schizophrenia
(3). It can be assumed that Eric was exposed to some type of virus before he was born that makes
him more vulnerable to Schizophrenia. Based on the case study, it is not mentioned that Eric
engaged in drug or substance use as sometimes Schizophrenia results due to chemicals
imbalance that may impact the brain. Also, the case study does not state if there was a family
member who ever experienced the same issue as Eric, therefore, it cannot be judged as inherited.
However, based on statistics, about 21 million individuals worldwide acquire Schizophrenia
from environmental factors such as viral infections and prolonged exposure to marijuana or
stressful situations (Lisman, 2012 p.538). The case study states that Eric quit his part-time work