SOC313: DISCHARGE PLAN (Schizophrenia) discussion

Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic, lifelong condition characterized as a psychotic disorder. Psychosis is a condition in which there is distortion of reality and disturbances of thought (Falvo, 2008). There are different types of schizophrenia.  All of them have strange and serious symptoms.   There is no cure, but it is manageable. Institutionalization for schizophrenia is most always in connection with a psychotic episode.  They are matters of life and death for the individual experiencing it.  Individuals with schizophrenia tend to have a number of health problems in addition to the symptoms experienced as a result of their condition. They have a 20% shorter life expectancy relative to the general population (Falvo, 2008). There are asylums for the insane that house thousands of mentally deranged, catatonic, or delusional people. It’s happens from time to time when those who begin taking anti-psychotic or anti-depressant medication are bound to feel some side effects.  It’s the difference between what psychiatric professionals call clean or dirty medicine.  We have all seen commercials for the Zoloft or Abilify brands with one possible side effect being death. One side effect in particular that can be treated with another type of anti psychotic called Cogentin is called Tardive dyskinesias are involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk, and extremities that occur in patients treated with long-term dopaminergic antagonist medications (Brasic, 2012). If you have never experienced a schizophrenic episode, it is impossible to comprehend how frightening and upsetting it can be. During a schizophrenic episode, a person loses contact with reality. They may hear and see things that are not actually happening, experience paranoia and believe that other people mean them harm or are monitoring them, and be unable to communicate in a clear or meaningful way (Taylor, 2011). This is how a person can wind up having an inpatient stay, and some of these people stay there for their whole lives.  The medications for a place like that are mainly Haloperidol and Thorazine, two powerful tranquilizers. There is a study and many theories about the treatment of schizophrenia to find a balance between sedation and stimulation.  Patients may be zombie-like or could be so hyperactive that they are incoherent or can’t manage themselves. Upon discharge patients should have regular check ups, usually done by someone working for their insurance company, to be sure the person is taking their medication and are no harm to themselves or others.  There are crisis lines for people contemplating suicide or being too paranoid to the point that they are potentially dangerous.  Mental health hospitals usually have peer support groups that will also aid in stabilizing and helping support people having really dire straight. References Brasic, J. R. (Feb 9, 2012).  Tardive Dyskinesia.  Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1151826-overview Falvo, D. (2008). Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (4th ed). Jones & Bartlett Learning. Schizophrenia, bipolar, or depression antipsychotic medications and their side effects.  Uploaded by Magpiemedia1 on Jul 18, 2011.  Retrieved on October 24, 2013 @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8F1mFebmvI Taylor, V. (April 29, 2011).  Schizophrenic Episode.  Retrieved from http://www.schizophrenic.com/articles/schizophrenia/schizophrenic-episode

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion

Joshua, thanks for this great information. You mentioned a critical point to consider in the patient’s discharge plan and that is suicide. Reducing the possibilities to harm themselves or others must be discussed in the discharge plan. Also, an effective discharge plan should have a crisis plan identified and developed. There must be an emergency contact if the patient shows signs of producing harm. Can you be specific with indentifying the individuals who should be part of developing the patient’s discharge plan? Again, great information. Professor Scott

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion

I remember I was specifically told that Dr. Boyd, a PhD who met with me once a week was making the final decision when I could go home.  He looked like the lead singer from Incubus, who's last name is also Boyd. The entire staff at a psychosis recovery hospital staff has an input on the discharge plan.

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion

Joshua, One point you made about not understanding Schizophrenia unless you are personally effected rings true to me because I have a close friend whose father was diagnosed when she was child. The type of planning that her family has to make in order to ensure that he continues on a path of health and wellness is quite different than what other families typically go through. While the medication he is on works well and he has not be hospitalized in quite a long time, that is not because he condition has improved it is because he and their family have made great strides in creating a healthy environment which supports his discharge plans including regular medication, therapy, group counseling and  a regimented daily schedule. It has truly changed the way the family functions but the hard work has paid off tremendously and he is thriving at work and home. -Lucie

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion

That's an informal response, especially on my thread.  I am diagnosed schizophrenic, and my wife is 5 months pregnant.  A symptom of this disease of the brain is that I don't believe myself to be ill.  I have no other treatment besides the medication, but that doctor did recommend seeing a counselor, too.

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion

I agree with you when you said "If you have never experienced a schizophrenic episode, it is impossible to comprehend how frightening and upsetting it can be. During a schizophrenic episode, a person loses contact with reality. "I have an uncle that is schizophrenic and if he does not take his medication or if the medication needs to be adjusted he can have episodes of delusion. He has had inpatient stays a few times, but this is not because he chooses to do so, it is for his safety. When he has his episodes he loses all reality to the so-called real world and can cause harm to himself or others. This was frightening to watch as a young child and wouldn't wish this disease on my worst enemy. The best thing that we can do for him as caregivers is to be there for him and make sure that he is taking his meds. on time on a daily basis. We also look for signs that maybe the medication isn't working as it did when he first started it, his medication has been changed many times over the years and it gets easier to see the signs before he has an episode.

RE: Discharge Plan--week 2 discussion \

I have never had a schizophrenic episode but it just sounds like it would be very frightening and upsetting just thinking about it.  And also it is never just a one time episode and that would make it even more scary just thinking everyday that one day it could happen again and you have no idea what you are going to do because you have no control when it comes to schizophrenia.  Good post.