Explain the neurotransmitter dysfunction in a patient with schizophrenia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorders

Answer the following questions for your discussion response. Use the format displayed in the “Discussion Forum Sample.”
Explain the neurotransmitter dysfunction in a patient with schizophrenia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorders
How would you recognize symptoms and severity of suicide? What would you do if you have a patient reporting suicidal ideation? How would you handle this and what type of resources would you provide? From a legal perspective, what are you obligated to do as a provider?
ANSWER
**Neurotransmitter dysfunction in schizophrenia, GAD, MDD, and bipolar disorders**
Schizophrenia, GAD, MDD, and bipolar disorders are all mental health conditions that have been associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction.
**Schizophrenia** is a chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may experience delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), disorganized speech, and abnormal behavior.
**GAD** is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety. People with GAD may worry about a variety of things, including their health, finances, relationships, and work.
**MDD** is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. People with MDD may also experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.
**Bipolar disorder** is a mental health disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression. People with bipolar disorder may experience delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior during manic episodes.
The exact cause of neurotransmitter dysfunction in these mental health conditions is not fully understood. However, research suggests that imbalances in the levels and activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, may play a role.
**Recognizing and assessing suicidal ideation**
Suicidal ideation is the thought of harming oneself or ending one’s life. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation so that you can get help for yourself or someone you know.
Some common signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation include:
* Talking about wanting to die or harm oneself
* Giving away possessions or making plans for after one’s death
* Withdrawing from friends and family
* Engaging in risky or impulsive behavior
* Feeling hopeless or despairing
If you suspect that someone you know is having suicidal ideation, it is important to talk to them about it and encourage them to seek professional help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and resources.
**How to handle a patient reporting suicidal ideation**
If a patient reports suicidal ideation, the most important thing is to take it seriously and to assess the patient’s risk of suicide. This can be done by asking questions about the patient’s thoughts and plans, as well as their history of suicidal behavior.
If the patient is at high risk of suicide, they may need to be hospitalized for their safety. If the patient is not at high risk of suicide, they may be able to be treated on an outpatient basis.
Treatment for suicidal ideation typically includes psychotherapy and/or medication. Psychotherapy can help patients to identify and address the underlying causes of their suicidal thoughts and feelings. Medication can help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that may be contributing to the patient’s suicidal ideation.
**Resources for patients with suicidal ideation**
There are a number of resources available to patients with suicidal ideation. Some of these resources include:
* The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
* The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
* The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
* The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/
* The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
**Legal obligations of providers**
In the United States, providers have a legal obligation to warn and protect third parties from patients who pose a serious threat of harm to others. This is known as the Tarasoff doctrine.
If a provider believes that a patient is at risk of harming themselves or others, they are required to take reasonable steps to protect the patient and potential victims. This may include warning the potential victims of the patient’s threat, hospitalizing the patient, or reporting the threat to the police.
**Conclusion**
Suicidal ideation is a serious mental health condition that can be treated with professional help. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be suicidal, it is important to reach out for help immediately. There are a number of resources available to help people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.