Free Paper Sample on Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Nursing Interventions

Introduction

Currently, the cure for schizophrenia is yet to be found since scientists and other stakeholders have not approved any. It is quite unusual for people to recover from this condition fully. It is approximated that about 15 percent of those who suffer from this illness may return to their functioning capability. A majority of individuals who have been diagnosed with the condition can continue living their lives meaningfully. Most of these people can also live a good life, whether in presses or absence of symptoms (Janicak). Though there are no known treatments for this disease, the earlier it is detected, the easier it may prevent its illness.

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Several factors influence the poor prognosis of this illness. These include strong negative symptoms, cigarette smoking, poor support system, and poor nutrition. The prevalence of substance abuse is higher, with people suffering from schizophrenia compared to the general population. About 35 percent of schizophrenia patients have reported having problems related to substance abuse (Poletti and Raballo). Patients who smoke cigarettes or use reconstructive drugs are said to have a poorer prognosis due to the effects of such substances on their mental function and brain pathways. Just as factors are causing the poor prognosis, other factors are linked to a good prognosis. Some of these factors connected with better prognosis include acute onset, prompt treatment, a good support system, and no family history. Most schizophrenia patients, especially those with an insufficient support system, find it difficult to secure employment and cope with society. That forces them to deal with the burden of poverty other than the medical symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia

There are a range of cognitive problems associated with schizophrenia. Other than thinking problems, this condition also carries with it emotional as well as behavioral issues. While the signs and symptoms might differ, they often involve disorganized speech, delusions, or hallucinations. The illness may also reflect impaired capability for an individual to function. Other common signs and symptoms include; disorganized behavior, trouble starting activities that are goal-directed, restricted emotional range, and limited speech with little expression. Intellectual or cognitive symptoms might be difficult to detect.

There are instances where there is a reduction or total lack of an individual’s ability to function normally. For example, a schizophrenia patient might neglect his/her personal hygiene. Other than that, a person might also lose interest in his/her daily activity, lack their ability to experience pleasure, or maybe socially withdrawn. The symptoms of schizophrenia can, at times, vary in severity and type. Certain signs and symptoms of the disease might be present at all times. While in men, these symptoms may begin in their mid-20s, in women, they start in their late 20s. It is rare for people older than 45 years old to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and uncommon for children (Maj, and Galderisi). Although the symptoms of schizophrenia are common across all age groups, they are, however, more difficult to recognize in teenagers. That is highly attributed to the fact that in teenagers, the early symptoms of this illness are similar to typical development in teen years—for instance, trouble sleeping, lack of motivation, and withdrawal from family and friends, among others.

Differential Diagnosis

Schizophrenia disorder is often misdiagnosed as bipolar since these two illnesses share certain common features. The positive signs and symptoms of schizophrenia often have a resemblance to symptoms in manic episodes, particularly the ones with psychotic features. These episodes are inclusive of paranoia, disorganized speech, hallucinations, and delusions of grandeur. Moreover, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share some medications since some atypical antipsychotics that were initially used in the treatment of schizophrenia are currently used to treat acute mania (Janicak). Schizophrenia’s negative symptoms closely resemble signs of a depressive episode. These negative symptoms include; low energy, emotional withdrawal, social isolation, and lack of affect.

In certain neurotransmitter systems, these two illnesses are seen to share similar abnormalities. For instance, both negative symptoms of schizophrenia and depressive episode symptoms are mediated partially by serotonin. On the same note, symptoms of mania and the positive symptoms of schizophrenia are also mediated similarly by excesses of dopamine (Phillips and Ketelsen). Antipsychotics which have been approved for these two illnesses work perfectly on both dopamine and the serotonin system. Some major differences can be noticed at the early onset of symptoms.

Nursing Interventions

The first nursing intervention practice is to establish rapport and trust with patients suffering from schizophrenia. It is not advisable to touch a patient before informing them what you are about to do. A consistent and accepting approach should be used. Nurses should maintain some sense of hope for improvement and use clear and unambiguous language. The second nursing intervention should be to maximize the level of functionality (Poletti and Raballo). A nurse should not promote dependence but only do the things a schizophrenia patient cannot do on his/her own. It is also essential to reward any positive behavior and work together with the patient to increase their sense of responsibility.

Education for the Patient and Family

Schizophrenia patients, together with their families, should try and connect with other people. Social interaction with people who care can be an effective way of relieving stress. It is crucial for family and the person suffering from schizophrenia disorder surrounded by people they can connect with. Regular exercise should be advocated as it not only reduces stress but also helps in the release of endorphins. A schizophrenia patient should also eat a healthy diet as this has a direct impact on how they feel. Consumption of refined carbs, sugar, and other foods that cause a crash in energy and mood should be minimized. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids should be boosted through intake of fish oil, fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts that help improve a person’s energy, outlook, and focus.

Family members should learn to practice acceptance. Rather than dwelling on how a member of the family is in an unfair condition, all family members should accept their individual feelings, whether positive or negative. That can make a significant difference in their ability to balance moods and manage stress (Barbour). Schizophrenia patients and their family members should seek out joy. They create time in their day and do things that they enjoy, such as visiting friends, reading books, and spending time in nature.

Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes a person lose his/her ability to distinguish reality and imagination. The illness is characterized by disturbance to the patient’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Although there is no known treatment for this disease, an early diagnosis can prevent further effects.

Works Cited

Barbour, Scott. Schizophrenia. Greenhaven Press, 2002.

Janicak, Philip G. Schizophrenia. Springer-Verlag New York, 2016.

Maj, Mario, and Silvana Galderisi. "DEFICIT SCHIZOPHRENIA: A VALID CATEGORICAL SUBTYPE OF SCHIZOPHRENIA?". Schizophrenia Research, vol 102, no. 1-3, 2008, p. 45. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/s0920-9964(08)70142-7.

Phillips, Jane E, and David P Ketelsen. Schizophrenia. Enslow Publishers, 2003.

Poletti, Michele, and Andrea Raballo. "Obsessively Thinking Through The Schizophrenia Spectrum: Disentangling Pseudo-Obsessive Schizophrenia From OCD." Schizophrenia Research, vol 212, 2019, pp. 232-233. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.schres.2019.08.014.