HSNS310

Tutorial 3 - 3/4/23
Reviewing Schizophrenia under 5 Subheadings
CAUSES
1. Genetic Predisposition
2. Genes + Environment
3. Brain Abnormalities
4. The dopamine hypothesis
5. Deficits
6. Low stimuli response
7. Communication Style
8. Aversive environment
9. Stress-vulnerability model
HOW MANY
1. One in a Hundred in Aus
2. Similar rates in other countries
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A) POSITIVE
1. Excess or distorted functioning
2. Hallucinations
3. Delusions
4. Disorganised speech and behaviour (Clone organisation?)

B) NEGATIVE
1. Flat affect
2. Apathy
3. Avolition
4. Anhedonia (nil ability to feel joy)
5. Alogia (nil speech)
Symptoms present for at least 6 months. Two (or more) of the following, each present for a
significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated). At least
one of these must be 1, 2, or 3.
1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganised speech
4. Catatonia
5. Negative symptoms
TREATMENTS
1. Antipsychotics
2. CBT
3. Psychoeducation
4. Social skills training
5. Rehab
6. Psychotherapy
7. ECT
THE PERSON LIVING WITH THE ILLNESS
In the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP) in Aus, people with the illness said the
following made their lives difficult:
1. Money worries
2. Loneliness
3. Joblessness
4. Poor physical health
To these people, these issues were more significant than their psychiatric symptoms.
Nursing Care of the Person with Schizophrenia
1. Provide safe environment
2. Promote trust
3. Coordinate and develop care plan
4. Psychoeducation
5. Training and health habits
6. Holistic care
7. Case management
8. Antipsychotic medication
9. Monitor and report side effects
10. Risk for self-harm and harm to others
11. Basic counselling
12. Advocate for pt