Psychosocial Examination in Schizophrenia

Psychosocial Examination in Schizophrenia

Abstract

This research paper examines the cinematic biographical adaptation of musical child prodigy David Helfgott. The paper will examine Helfgott during the following four stages of psychosocial development based on the psychosocial theory of Erik Erikson: Middle childhood (6-12), Early adolescence (12-18), Later adolescence (18-24) and Middle adulthood (34-60). Erik Erikson was a psychoanalyst who described development as a series of eight psychosocial stages. At each stage there are development tasks to master and a central conflict that the individual can resolve positively or negatively. The nature of the task mastered and the conflict resolution depends largely on the individuals relationship with others and through the individual's own choices. The examination of David Helfgott will reveal a negative outcome resulting from his apparent Schizophrenia. The paper will provide a five-axis diagnosis, hypothetical explanation of the Schizophrenia origin and finally treatment considerations.

DAVID HELFGOTT: A PSYCHOSOCIAL EXAMININATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Middle childhood: Industry versus Inferiority

During this stage, children make the transition from the world of the home to that of school and peers. Children learn to make things, use tools, and acquire the skills to be a worker and a potential provider. This is also the first time that children receive feedback from outsiders about their accomplishments. If children can discover pleasure in intellectual stimulation, being productive, seeking success, they will develop a sense of competence. If they are not successful or cannot discover pleasure in the process, they may develop a sense of inferiority and feelings of inadequacy that may haunt them throughout life.

In summary, Helfgott appears to have no childhood friends. He is depicted as being close to his siblings. His authoritative father, Peter Helfgott who controls his daily interaction, shadows Helfgott. School age Helfgott displays concrete operations by playing complicate piano pieces and playing chess. Helfgott displays skilled learning by seeking competence and mastery over music. Helfgott self-evaluation revolves around what his father thinks what is important. Helfgott was never depicted participating in team sports. Helfgott addresses the psychosocial crisis of industry versus inferiority...

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...ut schizophrenia may take for granted. A therapist can also help him comply with his schedule of medications.

„h Family therapy. Helfgott and his family members may benefit from therapy that provides support and education to families. Helfgott¡¦s symptoms have a better chance of improving if family members understand his illness, can recognize stressful situations that might trigger a relapse and can help him stick to his schedule of drug treatment. Conversely, Helfgott may not do as well if family members distance themselves from him and are less understanding.

„h Rehabilitation. Training in social and vocational skills necessary to live independently is an important part of recovery. With the help of a therapist, Helfgott can learn social skills such as good hygiene, cooking and traveling. People with schizophrenia who are in programs to train them in social skills or for jobs seem to experience much greater improvement in symptoms than do those who don't receive train in social skills.

Today fewer people with schizophrenia require long-term hospitalization because more people than before respond positively to medications or other forms of treatment for schizophrenia.