Patrick attended an elite private school, where he excelled academically, and was a popular student. He was a member of the debating team, and also played in the school orchestra. Patrick achieved 97% in his HSC and commenced University of NSW to study law just over one year ago.
Four months ago Patrick went away for the weekend with a group of friends and experimented with a variety of illicit drugs e.g. ice, cocaine, ecstasy. When he came home his demeanour was markedly changed. He became suspicious and withdrawn.
He refused to go to uni, and stated his parents were “imposters”. Since then he has attempted to attend uni only once, but was unable to last even half a day. He spends his days in his room listening to music. Friends no longer come around because of his current mental state (they may be part of his delusions). He has nil social contact outside the family home.
Patrick has been verbally aggressive towards his parents and younger brother (aged 16) causing the family great distress. He is observed responding to “voices” (auditory hallucinations). He tells his parents the voices belong to the “broadcasters” don’t want him to take medication because it is poison. Prior to this the family relationship was very good and would be described as “loving and close”
Answer the following questions for scenarios above:

1. Describe the mental health issue the consumer is experiencing.
2. Identify the associated signs and symptoms you might anticipate
3. Identify services that might assist the consumer
4. Identify the types of issue/needs the consumer may have.
5. Identify some potential protective and risk factors that you would need to consider
6. Discuss the strategies you could use to provide assistance to the consumer.