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Who Is Eleanor's Diathesis Stress Model

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Some of the main symptoms that Eleanor described were delusions and hallucinations which are positive symptoms. She described hearing terrifying voices, seeing grotesque visions and experiencing bizarre-intractable delusions. Elyn described experiencing positive symptoms like delusions, hallucinations and disorganized behaviors. Elyn also described having transient crazy thoughts that caused her to crouch in a corner shaking and moaning.

According to the diathesis stress model an individual must have a genetic predisposition and experience a stressor that causes a psychological illness. Eleanor explained that traumatic life events including memories of sexual trauma and abuse triggered her symptoms. This description aligns with the diathesis stress model since these experiences can be identified as a stressor. If Eleanor has a genetic predisposition, then these stressful experiences caused the onset of schizophrenia. Elyn described that stress triggered her symptoms. Classroom teaching, traveling and giving talks always caused her stress. These stressful activities caused her symptoms. Her description aligns with the diathesis stress model since it shows that stressors caused her symptoms. …show more content…

As a coping mechanism, she continues to work as a scholar since it helps her stay intellectually active and it provides her a source of well-being. Eleanor’s best way to manage her symptoms did not include medication. Instead of medication she learned to listen and interact with the voices she heard. Like Elyn’s way to manage her symptoms Eleanor continued to work. Eleanor worked in the psychiatry field as a mental health worker, a speaker, and a journalist. Eleanor and Elyn’s treatments differ since Elyn reverts to medication and therapy while Eleanor does

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