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Week 5: Focused SOAP Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic,
and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders
Ganiyu Adewale
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6675A: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan II
Dr. Amanda Porter
June 28, 2025
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Week 5: Focused SOAP Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic,
and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders
The schizophrenia spectrum encompasses a range of brain disorders that fundamentally alter an
individual's perception, emotions, cognition, thought processes, and overall behavior (Sadock
and Ruiz, 2015). Schizophrenia itself was first identified as "dementia praecox" by the German
psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in the late 19th century and is recognized as one of the most severe
and complex heterogeneous mental disorders (Sadock and Ruiz, 2015). Diagnosing
schizophrenia requires a comprehensive psychiatric assessment since no laboratory tests or
definitive biomarkers are currently available to confirm the presence of the disorder (Sadock and
Ruiz, 2015). Clinicians must conduct a detailed psychiatric history, which includes an
exploration of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and familial background, along with a
mental status examination to evaluate their current cognitive function and emotional state.
In his analysis, Carlat distinguishes between two types of psychotic patients: those whose
psychosis is overtly apparent and those whose psychotic symptoms may be more subtle and
concealed (2017). This distinction is critical, as employing subtle screening questions may
effectively guide the clinician during the interview process to detect underlying psychotic
symptoms. In some cases, more direct probing questions may be essential to gain a clearer
understanding of the type and severity of the psychosis involved (Carlat, 2017). In the
accompanying video case presentation, the interviewer strategically utilized probing questions,
as the patient exhibited clear signs of full-blown psychosis. Based on the information gathered
during the in-depth psychiatric evaluation, a focused SOAP note was constructed, followed by a
comprehensive and articulated diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the patient's unique
needs
Week 5: Focused SOAP Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic,
and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders
Ganiyu Adewale
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6675A: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan II
Dr. Amanda Porter
June 28, 2025
, 2
Week 5: Focused SOAP Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic,
and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders
The schizophrenia spectrum encompasses a range of brain disorders that fundamentally alter an
individual's perception, emotions, cognition, thought processes, and overall behavior (Sadock
and Ruiz, 2015). Schizophrenia itself was first identified as "dementia praecox" by the German
psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in the late 19th century and is recognized as one of the most severe
and complex heterogeneous mental disorders (Sadock and Ruiz, 2015). Diagnosing
schizophrenia requires a comprehensive psychiatric assessment since no laboratory tests or
definitive biomarkers are currently available to confirm the presence of the disorder (Sadock and
Ruiz, 2015). Clinicians must conduct a detailed psychiatric history, which includes an
exploration of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and familial background, along with a
mental status examination to evaluate their current cognitive function and emotional state.
In his analysis, Carlat distinguishes between two types of psychotic patients: those whose
psychosis is overtly apparent and those whose psychotic symptoms may be more subtle and
concealed (2017). This distinction is critical, as employing subtle screening questions may
effectively guide the clinician during the interview process to detect underlying psychotic
symptoms. In some cases, more direct probing questions may be essential to gain a clearer
understanding of the type and severity of the psychosis involved (Carlat, 2017). In the
accompanying video case presentation, the interviewer strategically utilized probing questions,
as the patient exhibited clear signs of full-blown psychosis. Based on the information gathered
during the in-depth psychiatric evaluation, a focused SOAP note was constructed, followed by a
comprehensive and articulated diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the patient's unique
needs
