Module-05-Outline

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception and behavior. The word “psychotic” is used frequently when discussing Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. The nurse states, “The client is “psychotic.” What does that statement indicate? Psychosis refers to a range of conditions that affect the mind in which there has been loss of contact with reality, disorganization of personality, and deterioration of social functioning. The nurse is saying the client is out of touch with reality and disorganized in thoughts and behavior. The criteria to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia is (2 or more of the following and at least must be one of the first 3): 1. Delusions 2. Hallucinations 3. Disorganized speech 4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior 5. Negative symptoms ( i.e., diminished emotional expression, lack of motivation and a sociality) Pattern of Development • Phases 1. Premorbid phase -Signs occur prior to clear evidence of an illness o shy & withdrawn o poor peer relationships o doing poorly in school o passive o introverted 2. Prodromal phase -Period between premorbid phase and onset of psychosis (average length 2-5 years) -Signs of cognitive impairment o deterioration in functioning 3. Psychotic phase (Acute Schizophrenic Episode) o psychotic symptoms are prominent 4. Residual phase (follows the active phase) -Symptoms of active phase no longer prominent o flat affect o impairment in functioning ..................................CONTINUED......................................