Final answer:
Additional symptoms that support the diagnosis of schizophrenia include social withdrawal, flattened emotional state, loss of pleasure, and difficulty engaging in daily activities. Inability to form relationships may support the diagnosis, while maintaining functionality or lack of hallucinations would not.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 22-year-old client admitted following episodes of hallucinations and delusions, and whose outpatient treatment has been ineffective, is being considered for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. A diagnosis of schizophrenia may be supported by additional symptoms such as disorganized thinking, social withdrawal, difficulty engaging in daily activities, a flattened emotional state, loss of pleasure, and lack of initiative. These are often referred to as 'negative symptoms'.
Since schizophrenia is a condition marked by an inability to differentiate between reality and imagination, and involves difficulty with social situations, inability to form any relationships could support the diagnosis. The client's ability to maintain functionality, such as a clean and neat appearance or ability to sustain employment, would be unlikely if they were suffering from schizophrenia, especially if outpatient treatment has proven ineffective. Conversely, lack of hallucinations would not support the diagnosis, as hallucinations are a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia.
Antipsychotic medications, which work by blocking dopamine receptors and reducing dopamine neurotransmission, are commonly used to treat schizophrenia. However, it's important to remember that while these medications can be effective, they are not a cure for schizophrenia, and ongoing treatment is typically necessary.