Question

pathophysiology concept map for schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Risk factors PATHOPHYSIOLOGY CONCEPT MAP Potential complications Signs and symptoms Disease Process Pathophysiology (Definition / etiology chronicity and prognosis) Medical Interventions, labs and diagnostic studies Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Interventions

Answer 1

DEFINITION:Schizophrenia spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome marked by disruptions in perception, language, thinking, and social activity.

ETIOLOGY:It's not known what causes schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to development of the disorder.

Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized Thinking
• Abnormal Movements
• Negative Symptoms Such As Loss Of Functioning In Daily Life
• Decreased Emotional Expression
• Diminished Social Engagement
• Impaired Concentration

RISK FACTORS

• Family history
• Autoimmune diseases
• Complicated pregnancy
• Drug abuse
• Stress

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

• Suicide, suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Depression
• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs, including nicotine
• Inability to work or attend school
• Financial problems and homelessness
• Social isolation
• Health and medical problems
• Aggressive behavior, although it's uncommon

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

Doctors will wait to make a permanent diagnosis until after people have had a medical exam and have been under observation for a long enough period of time so that any substances taken can clear the body. They will also generally try to view past medical records that might explain the symptoms. They may request tests looking for evidence of potential causes. Special care must be taken to separate schizophrenia from pre-existing conditions, including other mental disorders. A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made only when other causes of psychosis have been ruled out. Some of the factors helping in diagnosis include

• Complete medical history
• Physical examination
• MRI BRAIN
• CT SCAN BRAIN

Five major categories of psychosocial intervention have been used in the community-based treatment of patients with schizophrenia, with evidence of efficacy on relapse prevention and symptom control. The five categories are

• Cognitive Therapy
• Psychoeducation Programs
• Family Intervention
• Social Skills (And Other Coping Skills)
• Training Programs

NURSING DIAGNOSIS

• Impaired verbal communiction
• Impaired social interaction
• Disturbed sensory perception
• Disturbed thought process
• Defensive coping
• Interrupted family process

NURSING INTERVENTION

In the presence of delusions, the Nursing Interventions Classification defines Delusion Control, which is defined as the provision of a safe and therapeutic environment to the patient in acute state of confusion.In the presence of delusions, the nurses must demonstrate to patients that they accept that the patient has this belief, although they do not share the belief. It is important not to discuss or deny belief so as not to risk compromising trust. Reasonable doubt must therefore be used as a therapeutic technique.

In the presence of hallucinations, the NIC defines the nursing diagnosis of Hallucination Control as the promotion of safety, comfort and the hallucinating patient’s orientation towards reality.

These interventions are intended to establish a relationship of empathy and trust with the patient, causing the patient to begin to be critical towards the disease so that new intervention strategies can be implemented.