There is a spectrum of psychotic disorders, and schizophrenia is one of the disorders on the spectrum. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It also affects the person’s ability to recognize their symptoms as problematic, referred to as a “lack of insight.” Continuous signs of the disturbance must be present for at least six months in order for schizophrenia to be diagnosed, and potential medical conditions that could be causing delirium must be ruled out.^[1],[2]

Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teen years to the early thirties and tends to emerge earlier in males than females. A diagnosis of schizophrenia often follows the first episode of psychosis when individuals first display symptoms of schizophrenia. Gradual changes in thinking, mood, and social functioning often begin before the first episode of psychosis, usually starting in mid-adolescence. (See “Early Signs of Psychosis” in the previous section.) Schizophrenia can occur in younger children, but it is rare for it to occur before late adolescence.^[3]

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms of schizophrenia are classified by three categories: psychotic, negative, and cognitive.^[4]

• Positive symptoms: Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, disorganized speech, and alterations in behaviors. Read more about delusions and hallucinations in the “Thoughts and Perceptions” subsection of the “Assessment” section of the “Application of the Nursing Process in Mental Health Care” chapter. The most common types of delusions experienced by individuals with schizophrenia are paranoia, persecutory, grandiose, or religious ideas. For example, an individual with persecutory delusions may feel the nursing staff is trying to poison them when they administer medications. People with psychotic symptoms lose a shared sense of reality and experience the world in a distorted way.^[5]

• Negative symptoms: Negative symptoms refer to loss of motivation, disinterest or lack of enjoyment in daily activities, social withdrawal, difficulty showing emotions, and difficulty functioning normally. Individuals typically experience the following negative symptoms^[6]:
  • Reduced motivation and difficulty planning, beginning, and sustaining activities (i.e., avolition)
  • Diminished feelings of pleasure in everyday life (i.e., anhedonia)
  • Flat affect (i.e., reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or voice tone)
  • Reduced speaking

• Cognitive symptoms: Cognitive symptoms refer to problems in attention, concentration, and memory. For some individuals, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more prominent and interfere with activities like following conversations, learning new things, or remembering appointments. Individuals typically experience symptoms such as these^[7]:
  • Difficulty processing information to make decisions
  • Problems using information immediately after learning it
  • Trouble focusing or paying attention

See the following box for signs and symptoms for the diagnosis of schizophrenia according to the DSM-5.

Additionally, for a significant portion of time, the client’s level of functioning in one or more areas, such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care, is significantly below their prior level of functioning. Continuous signs of schizophrenia persist for at least six months (or less if it is successfully treated). Depressive or bipolar disorders with psychotic features must have been previously ruled out, and the disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or other medical condition. The provider may specify if this is the first episode or multiple episodes and if it is an acute episode, in partial remission, or in full remission.^[9]

See Figure 11.2^[10] for an artwork depiction of the thought disorders associated with schizophrenia.

Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

It is believed that several factors contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia, including genetics, environment, and brain structure and function.^[11]

Genetics

Schizophrenia tends to run in families. Genetic studies strongly suggest that many different genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, but that no single gene causes the disorder by itself. It is not yet possible to use genetic information to predict who will develop schizophrenia.^[12]A systematic review found that cannabis (marijuana) worsens symptoms of psychosis in genetically predisposed individuals and causes more relapses and hospitalizations.^[13]

Environment

Scientists think that interactions between genetic risk and aspects of an individual’s environment play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Environmental factors that may be involved include adverse childhood experiences (ACE) or exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth.^[14]

Brain Structure and Function

Scientists think that differences in brain structure, function, and interactions among neurotransmitters may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. For example, differences in the volumes of specific components of the brain, the manner in which regions of the brain are connected and work together, and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are found in people with schizophrenia. Differences in brain connections and brain circuits seen in people with schizophrenia may begin developing before birth. Changes to the brain that occur during puberty may trigger psychotic episodes in people who are already vulnerable due to genetics, environmental exposures, or the types of brain differences mentioned previously.^[15]

Treatment

Early treatment of psychosis increases the chance of a successful remission.^[17] Treatments focus on managing symptoms and solving problems related to day-to-day functioning and include antipsychotic medications, psychosocial treatments, family education and support, coordinated specialty care, and assertive community treatment.^[18]

Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms by inhibiting dopamine receptors. Certain symptoms of psychosis, such as feeling agitated and having hallucinations, resolve within days of starting an antipsychotic medication. Symptoms like delusions usually resolve within a few weeks, but the full effects of the medication may not be seen for up to six weeks.^[19]

Antipsychotic medicines are also used to treat other mental health disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), severe depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder.^[20]

First-generation antipsychotics(also called “typical antipsychotics”) treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia and have several potential adverse effects due to their tight binding to dopamine receptors. Medication is prescribed based on the client’s ability to tolerate the adverse effects. Second-generation antipsychotics(also referred to as “atypical antipsychotics”) treat both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. They have fewer adverse effects because they block selective dopamine D2 receptors, as well as serotonin, so they are generally better tolerated than first-generation antipsychotics. Clients respond differently to antipsychotic medications, so it may take several trials of different medications to find the one that works best for their symptoms.^[21]

See Table 11.3 for a list of common antipsychotic medications. They are usually taken daily in pill or liquid form. Some antipsychotic medications can also be administered as injections twice a month, monthly, every three months, or every six months, which can be more convenient and improve medication adherence.

Table 11.3 Common Antipsychotic Medications^{[22],[23],[24]}

Clozapine

Patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia may be prescribed clozapine, a specific type of atypical antipsychotic medication. However, people treated with clozapine must undergo routine blood testing to detect a potentially dangerous side effect called agranulocytosis (extremely low white blood cell count). Clozapine also has strong anticholinergic, sedative, cardiac, and hypotensive properties and frequent drug-drug interactions.^[25]

Black Box Warning

A Black Box Warning states that elderly clients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death.^[26]

Adverse Effects

Common side effects of both first- and second-generation antipsychotics include the following^[27]:

• Anticholinergic symptoms: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, or urinary retention^[28]
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Weight gain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Low blood pressure

First-generation antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics or typical antipsychotics, have significant potential to cause extrapyramidal side effects and tardive dyskinesia due to their tight binding to dopamine receptors. The risk for developing these movement disorders is the primary difference between first-generation antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics (also known as atypical antipsychotics). In other respects, the two classes of medication have similar side effects and mechanisms of action.^[29]

Extrapyramidal (EPS) side effects refer to akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), tremor, and dystonia (involuntary contractions of muscles of the extremities, face, neck, abdomen, pelvis, or larynx in either sustained or intermittent patterns that lead to abnormal movements or postures). See Figure 11.3^[30] for an image of dystonia. Anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention) are common, and histamine blockage causes sedation, with chlorpromazine being the most sedating.^[31]

Acute dystonic reactions affecting the larynx can be a medical emergency requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. EPS symptoms usually resolve dramatically within 10 to 30 minutes of administration of parenteral anticholinergics such as diphenhydramine and benztropine.^[32]

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a syndrome of movement disorders that can occur in clients taking first-generation antipsychotics. Hallmark symptoms are smacking and puckering lips, eye blinking, grimacing, and twitching. TD persists for at least one month and can last up to several years despite discontinuation of the medications. Primary treatment of TD includes discontinuation of first-generation antipsychotics and may include the addition of another medication. Second-generation VMAT2 inhibitors such as deutetrabenazine and valbenazine are considered first-line treatment for TD. Clonazepam and ginkgo biloba have also shown good effectiveness for improving symptoms of TD.^[33],[34]

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but fatal adverse effect that can occur at any time during treatment with antipsychotics. It typically develops over a period of days to weeks and resolves in approximately nine days with treatment.^[36] Signs include increased temperature, severe muscular rigidity, confusion, agitation, hyperreflexia, elevation in white blood cell count, elevated creatinine phosphokinase, elevated liver enzymes, myoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. The antipsychotic should be immediately discontinued when signs occur. Dantrolene is typically prescribed for treatment. Nursing interventions include adequate hydration, cooling, and close monitoring of vital signs and serum electrolytes.^[37]

Second-generation antipsychotics have a significantly decreased risk of extrapyramidal side effects but are associated with weight gain and the development of metabolic syndrome.^[38] Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Symptoms include increased blood pressure; high blood sugar; excess body fat around the waist (also referred to as having an “apple waistline”); and abnormal cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Weight, glucose levels, and lipid levels should be monitored before treatment is initiated then annually.

Patient Teaching and Education

Clients should be advised to contact their provider if involuntary or uncontrollable movements occur. They should be warned to not suddenly stop taking the medication because abrupt withdrawal can cause dizziness; nausea and vomiting; and uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, or jaw. Clients should be warned to not consume alcohol or other CNS depressants because their ability to operate machinery or drive may be impaired.

Relapse

Some people may experience relapse, meaning their psychosis symptoms come back or get worse. Relapses typically occur when people stop taking their prescribed antipsychotic medication or when they take it sporadically. Some people stop taking prescribed medications because they feel better or they feel that they don’t need it anymore, but medication should never be stopped suddenly. After talking with a prescriber, patients can gradually taper their medications in some situations. However, most people with schizophrenia must stay on an antipsychotic continuously for months or years for mental wellness.^[40]

Psychosocial Treatments

Cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions are types of psychosocial treatments that can help address the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. A combination of these therapies and antipsychotic medication is a common treatment approach for schizophrenia. Psychosocial treatments can help improve an individual’s coping skills with the everyday challenges of schizophrenia. Therapies can also help people pursue their life goals, such as attending school, working, or forming relationships. Individuals who participate in regular psychosocial treatments are less likely to relapse or be hospitalized.^[41]

Family Education and Support

Psychosis and schizophrenia can take a heavy toll on a client’s family members, significant others, and friends. Educational programs offer instruction about schizophrenia symptoms, treatments, and strategies for assisting their loved one experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia. Increasing their understanding of psychotic symptoms, treatment options, and the course of recovery can lessen their distress, bolster their own coping strategies, and empower them to offer effective assistance to their loved one. Family-based services may be provided on an individual basis or through multi-family workshops and support groups.

Coordinated Specialty Care

Coordinated specialty care (CSC) is a general term used to describe recovery-oriented treatment programs for people with first-episode psychosis, an early stage of schizophrenia. A team of health professionals and specialists deliver CSC that includes psychotherapy, medication management, case management, employment and education support, and family education and support. The person with early psychosis and the team work together in a patient-centered and family-centered approach to make treatment decisions. Compared to typical care for early psychosis, CSC is more effective at reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and increasing involvement in work or school.^[43]

The goal is to link the individual with a CSC team as soon as possible after psychotic symptoms begin. There are many different programs that are considered CSC in the United States, including (but are not limited to) Comprehensive Community Support (CCS), Community Support Programs (CSP), NAVIGATE, Connection Program, OnTrackNY, Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) program, and Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA). Supported Employment/Education (SEE) is an important part of CSC that helps individuals return to work or school because it addresses the client’s personal goals. A SEE specialist helps clients develop the skills they need to achieve school and work goals. In addition, the specialist can be a bridge between clients and educators or employers.^[44]

Research from the RAISE project (Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode) has shown that treatments for psychosis work better when they are delivered closer to the time when psychotic symptoms first appear. The goal of the RAISE project is to help decrease the likelihood of future episodes of psychosis, reduce long-term disability, and help people to get their lives back on track so they can pursue their goals.^[45]

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is possible to recover from psychosis. Many people who receive early treatment never have another psychotic episode. For other people, recovery means the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life, even if psychotic symptoms return at times. However, if untreated, psychotic symptoms can cause disruptions in school and work, strained family relations, and separation from friends. The longer the symptoms go untreated, the greater the risk for developing additional problems. These problems can include abusing substances, having legal trouble, or becoming homeless.^[46]

Assertive Community Treatment

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is designed for individuals with schizophrenia who are at risk for repeated hospitalizations or homelessness. Research has demonstrated a prevalence of psychosis as high as 21% among homeless people living on the street.^[47] See Figure 11.4^[48] for an image of a homeless man. ACT is based on a multidisciplinary team approach, including a medication prescriber, a shared caseload among team members, direct service provision by team members, high frequency of patient contact, low patient to staff ratios, and outreach to patients in the community. ACT has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and homelessness among individuals with schizophrenia.^[49]