Case study Juno is 32 and lives in a unit in the community. She shares the renta
ID: 127897 • Letter: C
Question
Case study
Juno is 32 and lives in a unit in the community. She shares the rental property with a male friend, Sean. Juno is becoming very frail, has Fragile X Syndrome (a genetic disorder that results in a range of developmental, physical and behavioural problems) and experiences episodes of schizophrenia if she doesn’t maintain her medication routine. The support worker attends in the mornings to support her to get out of bed and shower and dress each day, as well
as to ensure she has taken her medication. The worker has recently noticed that Juno is rapidly losing weight.
What is affecting Juno’s health?
Are there any risks or protective factors that may be impacting on Juno’s mental health? If yes, what are they? If not, why not?
Are there any indicators of abuse? If yes, what are they? If not, why not?
What process does the worker need to follow in cases of suspected or actual cases of abuse?
The worker also notices a pattern of Juno not having food in the unit and that she seems to become very teary whenever the worker asks her what meals she has had or asks when Juno intends to shop for groceries. Sean often sits quietly in the lounge and Juno glances in his direction whenever the worker raises the issue of not enough food. Juno eventually
Explanation / Answer
1). What is affecting Juno’s health?
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disease caused due to mutations in the FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) gene. The FMR1 codes for the FMR1 protein, which is necessary for the synthesis of other proteins involved in synaptic development. Synapses are the neural connections necessary for the transmission of information between neurons. The affected people commonly exhibit the symptoms of developmental defects such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, aggression, anxiety, and problems with social interactions and speech.
The genetic defect of Juno is primarily responsible for Juno's health condition. Apart from this, she is also lacking the support from family members or companions. The symptoms of Juno (lack of self-interest and being emotional) are indicating that she is suffering from depression and anxiety.