Choose a cognitive or mental health illness.
What is it? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated?
How does it differ from a physical or "visible" illness?
Address the following for your chosen diagnosis.
Historical
Socioeconomic impact
Political issues or impact
Educational needs
Topographical findings
Geographical impact
Cultural impact
Include interdisciplinary interventions for this disease.
Discuss the impact of a patient's value systems on management of this disease.
Address the following health-care practices:
Acute versus preventive care
Barriers to health care
Impact of pain and the sick role
Cultural practices
Identify challenges related to:
Learning styles
Autonomy
Educational preparation
Disease management
Sample Solution
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia often have distorted perceptions of reality, and they may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (having false beliefs). They may also have difficulty thinking clearly, paying attention, and making decisions.
How is it diagnosed?
Schizophrenia is diagnosed based on a combination of factors, including:
- A person's symptoms
- The person's medical history
Full Answer Section
- The person's family history
- The person's social and cultural background
How is it treated?
There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it can be treated with medication and therapy. Medication can help to control the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Therapy can help people with schizophrenia to learn how to cope with their symptoms and to improve their quality of life.
How does it differ from a physical or "visible" illness?
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder, not a physical illness. This means that there is no visible sign of the disease, such as a rash or a fever. Schizophrenia is also often misunderstood, and people with the disorder may be stigmatized.
Historical
Schizophrenia has been recognized for centuries, but it was not until the early 20th century that it was first described as a distinct mental health disorder. The term "schizophrenia" was coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911. Bleuler believed that schizophrenia was a disorder of "split mind," and he used the term to describe the way that people with the disorder often have difficulty thinking clearly and making decisions.
Socioeconomic impact
Schizophrenia has a significant socioeconomic impact. People with schizophrenia are more likely to be unemployed, homeless, and incarcerated than people without the disorder. They are also more likely to have lower incomes and to live in poverty.
Political issues or impact
Schizophrenia has been a political issue in some countries. In the United States, for example, there was a movement in the 1950s and 1960s to deinstitutionalize people with mental health disorders. This movement led to the closure of many mental hospitals, and many people with schizophrenia were discharged into the community. However, this also led to a number of problems, such as homelessness and lack of access to care.
Educational needs
People with schizophrenia often have difficulty in school. They may have trouble paying attention, following instructions, and completing assignments. They may also experience hallucinations and delusions, which can make it difficult to learn.
Topographical findings
There are no specific topographical findings associated with schizophrenia. However, some studies have shown that people with schizophrenia may have differences in brain structure and function.
Geographical impact
Schizophrenia is a global disorder, but it is more common in some countries than others. For example, schizophrenia is more common in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
Cultural impact
Schizophrenia is viewed differently in different cultures. In some cultures, schizophrenia is seen as a sign of evil or possession. In other cultures, schizophrenia is seen as a medical illness that can be treated.
Interdisciplinary interventions for this disease
There are a number of interdisciplinary interventions that can be used to treat schizophrenia. These interventions may include:
- Medication
- Therapy
- Supported employment
- Housing assistance
- Peer support
- Family education
The impact of a patient's value systems on management of this disease
A patient's value systems can have a significant impact on the management of schizophrenia. For example, a patient who believes that mental health disorders are a sign of weakness may be less likely to seek treatment. A patient who believes that medication is harmful may be reluctant to take medication.
Health-care practices
There are a number of health-care practices that can be used to manage schizophrenia. These practices may include:
- Acute care: Acute care is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia during a crisis. This may involve hospitalization and medication.
- Preventive care: Preventive care is used to prevent the onset of schizophrenia or to delay its progression. This may involve medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Barriers to health care: There are a number of barriers to health care for people with schizophrenia. These barriers may include:
- Lack of insurance
- Lack of transportation
- Lack of knowledge about mental health services