Discuss the symptoms of schizophrenia. Compare and contrast schizophrenia, disorganized type to other types of schizophrenia.

QUESTION

Case Study, Mohr

CHAPTER 29,

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In completing the case study, the student will be addressing the following objectives:

Identify signs and symptoms of schizophrenia.

Explain the subtypes of schizophrenia.

  • Joyce Mullins is a 31 years old client whose diagnosis is schizophrenia, disorganized type. Joyce is in the state mental hospital for a long term commitment. The student nurse is escorting Joyce and a group of patients to an art class. Suddenly, Joyce stop and look down at the sidewalk and then says “there are many brains down there on the sidewalk” later, the student is reviewing the symptoms of schizophrenia for a nursing care plan.

Learning objectives:

a Discuss the symptoms of schizophrenia

b Compare and contrast schizophrenia, disorganized type to other types of schizophrenia.

ANSWER

Understanding the Symptoms and Subtypes of Schizophrenia: A Case Study Analysis

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a complex and debilitating mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that significantly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. In this case study, we explore the symptoms of schizophrenia and specifically focus on Joyce Mullins, a 31-year-old client diagnosed with schizophrenia, disorganized type. By understanding the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia and differentiating its subtypes, healthcare professionals can provide optimal care and support to individuals with this condition.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia manifests through a variety of symptoms that can be broadly categorized into three main groups: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve a reduction or absence of normal behaviors and emotions. These may include decreased motivation, social withdrawal, diminished emotional expression, and difficulties in maintaining personal hygiene or grooming (Thakur, 2023). While the case study does not provide explicit information about Joyce’s negative symptoms, it is crucial to consider their impact on her overall functioning and well-being.

Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to deficits in cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and executive functioning (Bowie & Harvey, 2006). Individuals with schizophrenia may experience difficulties in focusing, remembering information, making decisions, and organizing thoughts. These cognitive impairments can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life.

Subtypes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is further classified into different subtypes based on the predominant symptoms present in an individual. One of these subtypes is schizophrenia, disorganized type, which is the diagnosis for Joyce in this case study (Correll & Schooler, 2020). Disorganized schizophrenia is characterized by disorganized speech and behavior, incoherent thought processes, and flat or inappropriate affect. Individuals with this subtype may exhibit difficulties in performing daily activities, maintaining personal hygiene, and showing appropriate emotional responses.

Other subtypes of schizophrenia include paranoid, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual types. Prominent delusions and auditory hallucinations characterize paranoid schizophrenia, often involving themes of persecution or grandiosity. Catatonic schizophrenia is characterized by disturbances in movement and behavior, ranging from extreme motor immobility to excessive, purposeless motor activity. Undifferentiated schizophrenia refers to cases where the symptoms do not clearly fit into any specific subtype. Lastly, residual schizophrenia describes individuals who have previously experienced prominent symptoms but currently exhibit milder or residual symptoms.

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms and subtypes of schizophrenia is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing effective care and support to individuals with this mental disorder. In the case of Joyce Mullins, her diagnosis of schizophrenia, disorganized type, highlights the presence of disorganized speech, behavior, and inappropriate affect. By identifying and addressing the specific symptoms experienced by each individual, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans to best meet their needs, improve their overall functioning, and enhance their quality of life.

References

Bowie, C. R., & Harvey, P. D. (2006). Cognitive deficits and functional outcome in schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2(4), 531–536. https://doi.org/10.2147/nedt.2006.2.4.531 

Correll, C. U., & Schooler, N. R. (2020). <p>Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Review and Clinical Guide for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment</p> Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 16, 519–534. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s225643 

Thakur, T. (2023, February 13). Auditory Hallucinations. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557633/ 

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