Introduction to Schizophrenia PDF

Introduction to Schizophrenia\ \*\*Definition\*\*\  - Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.\  - It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and cognitive impairments.\ \ - \*\*Prevalence\*\*: Affects abo...

Introduction to Schizophrenia\ \*\*Definition\*\*\  - Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.\  - It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and cognitive impairments.\ \ - \*\*Prevalence\*\*: Affects about 1% of the population.\ \ \ Symptoms of Schizophrenia\ - \*\*Positive Symptoms\*\* (Add to mental function):\  - Delusions (false beliefs)\  - Hallucinations (false sensory perceptions)\  - Disorganized speech\  - Bizarre behavior\ \ - \*\*Negative Symptoms\*\* (Subtract from normal behavior):\  - Flattened affect\  - Alogia (poverty of speech)\  - Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)\  - Social withdrawal\ \ - \*\*Cognitive Symptoms\*\*:\  - Impaired attention\  - Poor memory and executive function\ \ \ Phases of Schizophrenia\ - \*\*Prodromal Phase\*\*:\  - Early symptoms, often subtle, including social withdrawal or unusual behavior.\ \ - \*\*Acute Phase\*\*:\  - Full-blown psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, etc.).\ \ - \*\*Stabilization Phase\*\*:\  - Symptoms begin to decrease; treatment is ongoing.\ \ - \*\*Maintenance Phase\*\*:\  - Functioning improves, symptoms are under control, though some may persist.\ \ \ Etiology of Schizophrenia\ - \*\*Biological Factors\*\*:\  - \*\*Genetics\*\*: Strong genetic link; risk increases with family history.\  - \*\*Neurotransmitter Dysregulation\*\*: Dopamine and glutamate dysregulation.\  - \*\*Brain Structure\*\*: Enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter.\ \ - \*\*Environmental Factors\*\*:\  - Stress, prenatal infections, and early life trauma may contribute.\ \ \ Nursing Interventions\ - \*\*Medication Management\*\*:\  - \*\*Antipsychotics\*\*: First-generation (e.g., haloperidol) and second-generation (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine).\  - Monitor for side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and metabolic syndrome.\ \ Psychosocial Support\  - Encourage social skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family involvement.\  - Emphasize adherence to medication and follow-up care. Therapeutic Communication\ - \*\*Strategies\*\*:\  - Use clear, simple language.\  - Do not argue with delusions; acknowledge feelings without validating false beliefs.\  - Provide a structured environment to reduce anxiety. Family and Community Support\ - \*\*Family Education\*\*:\  - Teach families about the course of the illness, medication management, and coping strategies.\ \ Community Resources\  - Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and psychosocial rehabilitation programs can help manage symptoms and integrate the patient into the community.