Schizophrenia

Introduction:

The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known. There is a familial tendency to the
disease, and genes have been identified that are associated with the disease.
Dysfunction of the neurotransmitter dopamine seems to be partially responsible
for the development of the symptoms of psychosis associated with schizophrenia.
NMDA receptors may also be involved in the disease.

PROGNOSIS

Patients with schizophrenia typically need long-term medication to control symp-
toms. Medication compliance can be difficult for some patients, whether due to
accessibility of medications, side effects, symptoms of disease, or desire not to take
daily medication. Symptom recurrence is likely.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Impairment in reality testing
• Flat affect
• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized thought process
• Unusual behavior
• Delusions
• Auditory hallucinations

TREATMENT

• Antipsychotic medications:
• clozapine
• aripiprazole
• ziprasidone
• loxapine
• risperidone
• olanzapine
• quetiapine
• thiothixene
• Psychotherapy.
• Behavioral therapy.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS

• Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome
• Disturbed thought process
• Disturbed auditory sensory perception

NURSING INTERVENTION

• Monitor medication intake.
• Discuss patient response to therapy.
• Discuss importance of medication compliance.
• Structured environment.