John Nash Schizophrenia Case Study

The DSM/Medical Model could have been more helpful in the present day if a good psychiatrist and a social worker put the needs of John Nash as a human being first instead of dealing with him as just a number as patients were treated in the Trenton Hospital. The social aspect was absent in the treatment that was followed by the hospitals he was committed to. Nash was able to get support from his family, friends and wife, who I think, along with him as well, were great factors in his overcoming this illness. Nowadays, the social context is considered more in the treatment in the DSM Model and a good psychiatrist would have taken that into his consideration.
A good social worker would consider Nash’s self-determination and empower him by reinforcing his strengths. A good anti-oppressive social worker would have thought radically and challenged the idea of hospitalization as inhumane and not in the best interest of a patient. A social worker would have worked on Nash’s strengths like his family support and his mental capacity as a genius to help him overcome this situation. A referral to a good counsellor or to some social activities would have been of great help. Also job training for those with this brain disease would be suitable. But none of that
He would not be forced to medication that brought adverse effects on his mind. Schizophrenia is a brain disease and an antipsychotic medication is considered critical as a medication, but in Nash’s case he overcame the disease by dealing with it rationally after he stopped taking the medicine. Therefore a patient desire not to take the medicine should be respected. He was forced and that is why he resisted because medication should have been an aiding factor not the main way of recovery. A good psychiatrist would have helped John if he directed him to alternatives of treatment such as psychotherapy and