Download Signs & Symptoms

Group Presentation on
Schizophrenia
By Karina, Tina, Annita and Dan
Topics to be Covered
covered
Karina will present information on Description & Definitions of
Schizophrenia.
Tina will present information regarding the Signs and Symptoms
of Schizophrenia.
Annita will deliver information pertaining to the Treatment of
Schizophrenia: Including medication, therapies, ECT and more.
Dan will examine Nursing Interventions appropriate to
Schizophrenia.
Description / Definition
of Schizophrenia
by Karina
Description / Definition of
Schizophrenia by Karina
Description /
Definition
Schizophrenia Categories
Schizophrenia can be categorized by the following:
Paranoid Schizophrenia:
Abnormal reality interpretation.
Delusions
Auditory & Visual Hallucinations.
Disorganized Schizophrenia:
Illogical & Incoherent thoughts & behavior.
Catatonic:
Extreme behaviors at two ends of the spectrum
Inability to speak, move, or respond OR
Over-excitement, hyperactivity, involuntary sounds or movements
Description /
Definition
Signs & Symptoms of
Schizophrenia
by Tina
Signs & Symptoms of Schizophrenia
by Tina
Schizophrenia is a variable illness:
In some people, Schizophrenia appears suddenly
and without warning.
For most it comes on slowly with subtle warning
signs.
A gradual decline in functioning is often present
long before the first episode.
Many friends and family members report knowing
early on that something was not right with their
loved ones.
General & Less Obvious
Signs and symptoms
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Social Withdrawal
Decline in Motivation
Lack Of Drive
Diminished Emotional Response
Incoherent Speech / Broken Speech
Abnormal Personal Hygiene
Signs Of Schizophrenia
Positive & Negative Signs
 Positive Signs & Symptoms:
Are unusual thoughts and perceptions that often
involve a loss of contact with reality.
These are symptoms people wouldn’t “normally”
experience.
 Negative Signs & Symptoms:
Represent a loss or decrease in emotions or
behavioral abilities or a “blunted” effect.
Common Early Signs of Schizophrenia
(Negative Signs)
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Depression
Social Withdrawal
Hostility – Suspicion / Paranoia
Flat Expressions
Odd Statements
Inappropriate Response to Situations
Forgetfulness / Inability to Pay Attention
Over Sleeping / Lethargy
 These signs are a definite cause for concern
Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
(Positive Signs)
 Physical:
Movement disorders - such as repeating
movements, clumsiness or involuntary
movements.
 Cognitive signs and symptoms:
 Problems making sense of information
 Difficulty paying attention
 Memory problems
…Continued
Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
(Positive Signs)
 Delusions:
 Beliefs not based on reality.
 They may believe they are victims of conspiracy.
 They may think they can read minds or have special
powers.
 Hallucinations:
 Seeing and Hearing things that don’t exist.
 Thought & Speech Disorders:
 Disorganized speech.
 Fragmented thinking.
 Switching from one subject to another with no link or
reference to previous subject or thought.
Coping With Schizophrenia
 The following video gives some insight into
one person coping in her life with
Schizophrenia.
Skip Video
Treatment of
Schizophrenia
by Annita
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Psychosocial
Psychosocial treatment:
Treatment
 Helps with communication, motivation, selfcare, work, establishing and maintaining
relationship with others.
 Aids in patients sticking to their medication
schedule.
 Have the benefit of the patient having fewer
relapses and hospitalization.
Illness
Illness management
Management skills:
Skills
 Must know basics about the disease.
 Must know principals of Schizophrenia
treatment.
 Can make decisions about their care once they
are aware of the disease and treatment.
 Taught how to distinguish warning signs of
relapse.
Integrated
treatment
for Co-occurring
Integrated
treatment
for
substance
abuse. abuse.
Co-occurring
substance
 Depend more on the prescribed drugs.
 Most common occurring but not recognized.
Do you mean drug abuse is the most
commonly occurring symptom?
 They produce a better outcome. Meaning
correct use of prescribed meds produces the
least relapses?
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation for Patients can include:
 Social and vocational training.
 Programs including vocational counseling, job
training, money management, counseling.
 Assistance inusing public transport.
 Practicing social and workplace
communication skills.
Family education:
Education
Family
 Patients with Schizophrenia usually get
discharged into the care of their family.
 Families must know the importance of the
disease and know as much about the disease
as possible.
 Families should be taught know different kinds
of treatment and coping strategies.
Cognitive behavioral
Behavioral therapy:
Therapy
Cognitive
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can:
 Be more effective for patients where
symptoms still persist even after medication.
 Teaches how to test their reality.
 Be more effective as they reduce severity of
symptoms.
 Decrease the risk of relapses.
Self-Help
Selfhelp Groups
groups:
These Groups:
 Do not involve professional therapists.
 Are a source of mutual support.
 Include people that are aware others are
facing same problems.
 Generate social actions.
 Do not draw public attention and does not let
the public discriminate against them.
Antipsychotic medication:
Medication
Antipsychotic
Antipsychotic Medication:
 Reduces the likelihood of relapses.
 Normalizes chemical balances that cause
Schizophrenia.
 Two major types of antipsychotic medication:
Traditional medication
New Antipsychotic medications.
Traditional Medication
Traditional Medication May:
 Effectively control hallucinations and
delusions.
 Control the confusion of Schizophrenia.
 Treat positive symptoms of Schizophrenia.
New antipsychotic
Antipsychotic medication:
Medication
New
New Antipsychotic Medication May:
 Treat a broader range of symptoms.
 Treats both “positive” and “negative”
symptoms.
Side Effects of Medication
Side effects for both types of medication may
include any or all of the following:
 Mild Effects - dry mouth, blurred vision,
constipation, diarrhea drowsiness and
dizziness.
 Serious Effects - trouble with muscle control,
frequent and unmanageable muscle spasm
and cramps. Negative changes to Mental
Health.
Nursing Interventions for
Schizophrenia
by Dan
Nursing interventions for
Schizophrenia by Dan
Nursing interventions for Schizophrenia include:
 Assistance with Activities of daily living.
 Provision of a safe physical environment.
 Supervision.
 This will often include restriction of drugs.
 Medications.
Continued...
Nursing interventions for
Schizophrenia by Dan
 Psychotherapy.
 This is used to help patients improve their
relationships, integrate into society and help assist
with Daily Living.
Psychotherapy is generally used after the acute
phase has passed.
Psychotherapy
 Definition of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy: “The treatment of a behavior
disorder, mental illness, or any other condition by
psychological means. Psychotherapy may utilize
insight, persuasion, suggestion, reassurance, and
instruction so that patients may see themselves
and their problems more realistically and have the
desire to cope effectively with them.”
Psychotherapy
An example of the use of psychotherapy on a
schizophrenic patient would be:
 Following medication therapy the patient remains
withdrawn. The patient is screened for depression
and found to be severely anxious.
 A Psychiatric nurse would then be called to discuss
their withdrawal and find & treat the symptoms.
…Continued
Psychotherapy
The psychiatric nurse discusses and teaches
coping strategies.
Some options include:
 Positive suggestion and social activities.
 Group therapy can provide perspective.
 Teaching Communication skills.
 Emphasize the need for a healthy diet and
personal hygiene.
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References
References
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2004 by Donald J Franklin, PhD - http://www.psychologyinfo.com/Schizophrenia/cognitive.htm
Video courtesy of http://mindyourmind.ca & patient’s video.
Clipart is royalty-free and courtesy of various sources.
Mayo Clinic - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/catatonic-schizophrenia/ds00863