explain how you would make a differential diagnosis between schizophrenia and autism
- Part 2: Next, take one of the differential diagnoses listed in Part 1, and explain how you would make a differential diagnosis between your primary diagnosis and that particular differential diagnosis. Next, apply it to Randall’s case. In other words you are going to explain why Randall has the primary diagnosis that you gave him and not the common differential diagnosis. For example, if you gave Randall the primary diagnosis of schizophrenia (he doesn’t have schizophrenia), you would need to list autism as a common differential diagnosis, and then explain how you would make a differential diagnosis between schizophrenia and autism. What key characteristic do you look for to indicate that Randall has schizophrenia and not autism? If there is additional information that you would like to have to help you make a differential diagnosis, you may discuss this here.
- Part 3: Take one of the common co-morbid conditions listed in part 1, and discuss whether or not Randall also has this common co-morbid condition in addition to his primary diagnosis. Explain why you think he also has this additional diagnosis by listing the specific symptoms that Randall displays or explain why he does not have this additional diagnosis by discussing what symptoms he does not display. If there is additional information that you would like to have to be able to say that he has another diagnosis, you may discuss this here. (10 points)
- Based on the known causes of the particular primary diagnosis you gave Randall, speculate about the cause(s) of his diagnosis. You don’t have enough information to definitively know what caused the problem. Consider the most common cause of the disorder. It would be appropriate to address two or three causes; one that applies specifically to Randall’s situation and one based on the most common cause of the disorder. You want to explain these causes from a technical perspective. Use information from the textbook to explain why this causes the disorder that Randall has or provide data that supports that this is a true cause of the disorder. Hint: You absolutely need to cite information from the text or another source in this section. (10 points)
- Based on the known treatments for Randall’s primary diagnosis, what treatment(s) can you recommend for him and his family? How is this type of treatment conducted? Be very specific about the name of the treatment and what is done in the treatment. Generic statements like, “Randall should seek therapy,” are inappropriate. What type of therapy would you recommend? How is this type of therapy conducted? Be careful not to give a laundry list of all the possible treatments. Pick the best treatment for Randall, and explain this treatment in detail. (10 points)