Understanding Schizophrenia Symptoms and Management

Aug 25, 2024

Schizophrenia Pathophysiology and Symptoms

Overview

  • Schizophrenia is characterized by an abnormal scattered pattern of thinking lasting 6 months or more.
  • It affects personal relationships, school, and workflow due to concentration issues.
  • Memory Trick: Three S's:
    • S for Schizophrenia
    • S for Scattered pattern of thinking
    • S for Suicide risk (high)

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Genetics: Major role; children of parents with schizophrenia are more likely to develop it.
  • Neurotransmitter: Thought to be caused by a decrease in dopamine in the brain.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Positive Symptoms (Psychotic Symptoms)

    • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things not there)
      • Tactile Hallucinations: Sensation of being touched.
      • Auditory Hallucinations: Hearing voices or sounds.
      • Staff Action: Provide earphones and music to help ignore sounds.
    • Delusions (false beliefs)
      • Delusions of Reference: Personal messages from songs or shows.
      • Delusions of Control: Belief of being controlled (e.g., by FBI).
      • Delusions of Grandeur: Overinflated sense of importance.
      • Persecutory/Paranoid Delusions: Belief of being persecuted (e.g., poisoned).
    • Disorganized Speech and Thought
      • Loose Associations: Rapid, illogical shifts in thought.
      • Neologisms: Made-up words.
      • Clang Associations: Rhyming words without meaning.
      • Word Salad: Mixed words with no meaning.
      • Concrete Thinking: Literal interpretation of statements.
      • Tangentiality: Speaking of unrelated topics.

  2. Negative Symptoms

    • Lack of emotions and facial expressions.

  3. Cognitive Symptoms

    • Difficulty understanding and learning new things.

Exam Tips

  • Positive symptoms are emphasized in exams like ENLEX.
  • Audio stimulation is preferred for managing hallucinations.
  • Understanding different types of delusions and thought disturbances is crucial.

Conclusion

  • Complete quiz and download study guides included in the course material.
  • Share with classmates and instructors for collaborative learning.

Note: Ensure to review these key symptoms and strategies for managing schizophrenia, as they are critical for exams and practical nursing care.