NRNP 6645: Psychopathology with Multiple Modalities

NRNP 6645: Psychopathology with Multiple Modalities Dr. Brandi Williams 3/18/2024 According to the APA (2013), about 1.1% of the population worldwide is diagnosed with Schizophrenia. That is about 1.2% or approximately 3.2 million people in the U.S. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe disorder that affects the brain, making it difficult for people to think, manage their emotions, or make safe and rational decisions (Wheeler, 2020). Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Symptoms can be negative or positive (APA, 2013). Group therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy, is very effective in managing Schizophrenia. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) trains a person on modifying negative behaviors using strategies to improve interpersonal relationships (Mckenna et al., 2019). This paper will explore the therapeutic techniques used in the video Psychotherapy Group for Schizophrenia and how Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help people with Schizophrenia make better choices in their everyday living What group therapy techniques were demonstrated? How well do you believe these techniques were demonstrated? The following techniques were demonstrated: Some were very obvious, and some were inferred. Instillation of Hope: Group members become optimistic when they realize that their problems and situations are shared by many, so they educate themselves and empower each other Universality: The group members realize that they are not alone. No judgment, no fear of isolation. Altruism: Helping other members of the group achieve their goals. Altruism benefits the helpers and also those who help. It is a give and takes. Cohesiveness: The 'We-ness' of the participation impacts warmth, comfort, and the feeling of belonging. Catharsis: The patients can freely express suppressed emotions, thereby freeing themselves. Relaxation. The group used breathing exercises and then gauged each patient's mental state by asking them to rate from 1 to 10 their emotional well-being so the clinician could meet them at their point of need. Many studies have shown that breathing techniques can be used as a coping mechanism by patients with Schizophrenia when faced with challenging situations (Schaller et al., 2018).