The presenting characteristics of schizophrenia vary from one person to another. The patterns and levels of severity fluctuate depending on different individuals (Srinivasagopalan et al., 2019) . Some of the presenting characteristics of Schizophrenia include disorganized speech, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior and abnormal behavior that involve social withdrawal, a patient’s lack of emotional expressions and lack of enthusiasm or interest in things that a patient was previously enthusiastic about.
How to Respond to A Person with Schizophrenia Characteristics
When one encounters a patient with schizophrenia characteristics, it is recommended that they are compassionate, supportive and courteous to them. When having a conversation with a patient with the schizophrenia characteristics, it is advisable to be calm and avoid yelling, threatening, arguing or criticizing them (Pardede & Ramadia, 2021) . It is also advisable to avoid physical contact with such patients or any posture that may seem intimidating to them. In case of an emergency, one should inform the paramedics.
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Procedure to follow as per the knowledge of MHA
After an encounter with someone whom one thinks process the symptoms of schizophrenia it is important to let the person know of one’s concerns and encourage them to seek professional help. It is also prudent to be supportive to the patient by helping them find the best medical assistance and also offer encouraging words and let the patient know that they can count on them. In case the patient poses a threat to their lives or to those around them, it is important to inform paramedics or seek help from any other emergency response team for immediate hospitalization. While preparing for an appointment with a specialist, one should note down the symptoms that they have identified in the patient. It is also important to include any personal information about the patient that might be relevant to the case at hand which may include life events or any medication the patient might be taking. During the appointment, it is important to accompany the patient and ask the specialist any questions for clarification.
Presenting Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be described as a mental health disorder (Vieta et al., 2018). The presenting characteristics for bipolar disorder are that the patient experiences extreme mood swings. The mood swings experienced by the patient are hypomania also known as mania which are extremely high emotions and depression which are low emotions. When a patient with bipolar experiences depression, they experience a feeling of sadness and tend to become hopeless in life hence losing interest in partaking any activities.
How to Respond to A Person with Bipolar Characteristics
When one encounters a person with bipolar characteristics, it is important to be patient and understanding during conversations. It is important to acknowledge their emotions and avoid provoking them. It is also important to have an open communication with the patient and learn their limits so as to avoid “pushing” them.
Procedure to follow as per the knowledge of MHA
After an encounter with someone who has bipolar characteristics, it is vital to research on the disorder and find out the treatment options. It is also recommended that one encourages the patient to seek medical help and also help them in finding the best medics. It is also important to accompany a patient to any appointment so as to act as a support system for the patient.
Presenting Characteristics of Major Depression
Depression is a condition where the patient has a feeling of dejection and despondency. Some of the presenting characteristics of major depression are feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, sadness, irritability, loss of interests in normal activities, frequent angry outburst and frustrations. Patients with depression often have suicidal thoughts ( Stapley et al., 2017) .
How to Respond to A Person with Major Depression Characteristics
When one encounters a person with depression, it is important to treat them with at most kindness and compassion. One can also spend time with them and ensure that they are not left alone to avoid them feeling lonely and unwanted. It is also important to be respectful and acknowledge the challenges that they are facing.
Procedure to follow as per the knowledge of MHA
After an encounter with a person posing major depression characteristics, it is important to let them know of the concerns and advise them to seek medical help. It is also important for one to express their willingness to help and accompany the patient to any appointments. Another procedure is talking to the patient about their feelings and being sympathetic so that they know that they are not being judged.
References
Pardede, J. A., & Ramadia, A. (2021). The Ability to Interact with Schizophrenic Patients through Socialization Group Activity Therapy. International Journal of Health Science and Medical Research , 1 (1), 06-10.
Stapley, E., Target, M., & Midgley, N. (2017). The Journey Through and Beyond Mental Health Services in the United Kingdom: A Typology of Parents’ Ways of Managing the Crisis of Their Teenage Child's Depression. Journal of clinical psychology , 73 (10), 1429-1441.
Srinivasagopalan, S., Barry, J., Gurupur, V., & Thankachan, S. (2019). A deep learning approach for diagnosing schizophrenic patients. Journal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence , 31 (6), 803-816.
Vieta, E., Salagre, E., Grande, I., Carvalho, A. F., Fernandes, B. S., Berk, M., ... & Suppes, T. (2018). Early intervention in bipolar disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry , 175 (5), 411-426.
