A CASE STUDY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: SOCIAL TRAUMAS AS PRESUMED ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: The present case study was designed to see the predisposing and triggering factors in the onset of schizophrenia and to evaluate the efficacy of different behavioral techniques in improving the personal hygiene and social skills of the patient with schizophrenia.

Research Design: A case Study.

Place and duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Punjab Institute of Mental Health Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of 4 months.

Sample and Method: Sample included a 40 years old woman diagnosed with Schizophrenia (Paranoid type). Mental status examination was carried out, and interview sessions were conducted for informal assessment; other assessment tools (viz., Rotter’s Incomplete Sentence Blank, House Tree Person Test, Schizophrenia Symptom Check list and Behavior Check List) were used for formal assessment. These measures showed high maladjustment, interpersonal conflicts; personal and social incompetence. In addition to pharmacotherapy, intervention plan consisted of Behavior Therapy to improve personal care and social skills and control of anger. Psycho education was also provided to family regarding symptoms, complication, management and relapse of schizophrenia.

Result: Formal and informal assessment showed severe maladjustment. Social traumas seem to precipitate the onset and relapse. Her symptoms fulfilled the DSM-IV-TR criteria of schizophrenia (paranoid type) with the history of multiple relapse. After 8 sessions in 40 days there was remarkable improvement in personal hygiene and social skills, and her aggressive behavior also decreased significantly.

Conclusion: Results suggest that Token Economy and social reinforcement successfully work in managing the behavior excess and deficits of persons with schizophrenia.