Contents

• Schizophrenia
• Psychiatric nurse care
• Nurse Interventions
• Conclusion
• References

Description

Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by perceptional impairments and impairments in expression of reality manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid delusions in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction (Castle et.al, 1991). Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. An increase in dopaminergic activity in the mesolimbic pathway of the brain has been found to be associated with the disease (American Psychiatric Association, 2004). Treatment by pharmacotherapy is done with antipsychotic drugs that suppress dopamine activity. Schizophrenia patients usually show comorbid conditions, including clinical depression and anxiety disorders (Parnas J et.al, 1989). Disorganized thinking, auditory hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms. Patients in advanced stages of schizophrenia exhibit frequent agitations and bizarre postures (Amminger et.al, 2006).