Final answer:
Ativan administered to a 25-year-old female with new onset psychosis would result in an EEG showing increased amplitude and slowed frequency, indicating sedation. This correlates with common effects of benzodiazepines such as reduced agitation. Long-term use may lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed for anxiety and agitation and may be used in the treatment of psychosis. When administered to a 25-year-old female with new onset psychosis, Ativan can have a sedative effect, reducing agitation and helping to manage acute symptoms. On an electroencephalogram (EEG), Ativan typically causes an increase in the amplitude and a reduction in the frequency of the brain waves, often resulting in a pattern that reflects theta waves (4-7 Hz). These EEG changes indicate a state of sedation or drowsiness, which are common effects of benzodiazepines like Ativan.
Although the primary therapeutic effect in psychotic patients is a reduction in agitation, restlessness, and aggressive or impulsive behavior, Ativan does not necessarily treat the underlying psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Over time, with continued use, patients may develop a tolerance to the medication, necessitating higher doses to achieve the desired sedative effect. Upon withdrawal, a variety of negative symptoms can emerge, which reflects the drug's impact on neurological functioning and the body's adaptation to its presence over time.