Solution
Dr. Saloni answered on
Apr 15 2023
A Beautiful Mind
Introduction
John Nash, the main character in the movie "A Beautiful Mind," is a renowned mathematician who developed schizophrenia in his early adulthood. Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that affects how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. The cause of this illness is multifactorial and complex, causing a range of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, and abnormal motor behaviour. The impact of schizophrenia on the individual and their family can be profound, as it is a chronic and often debilitating illness that can severely disrupt daily functioning (Andani, 2022).
This essay aims to use John Nash's story as a case study to explore the mental illness experienced by him, the signs and symptoms, and contemporary peer-reviewed literature on its pathophysiology and risk factors. Additionally, the psychosocial impact of schizophrenia on the individual, family, and community will be discussed, highlighting the importance of mental health nurses in providing non-pharmacological interventions in the management of this illness.
Aetiology, Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. The aetiology of schizophrenia is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Genetic factors are thought to play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves (Legge et al., 2021). The risk increases if a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has schizophrenia. Researchers have identified several genes that may be associated with the development of schizophrenia, but their exact role in the disorder is not yet fully understood. However, a study has identified some genes responsible for schizophrenia, including DISC1, NRG1, and COMT. These genes are involved in
ain development, neurotransmission, and synaptic function (Merikangas et al., 2022).
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Exposure to certain infections during early childhood, such as influenza or toxoplasmosis, has been associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. In particular, maternal infections during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Stressful life events, such as trauma or abuse, may also increase the risk of developing the disorder (Singh et al., 2022). Neurobiological factors, including abnormalities in
ain structure and function, may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia have differences in
ain structure and function, including decreased grey matter volume and abnormalities in
ain connectivity (Keepers et al., 2020).
The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia can vary depending on the individual and the subtype of schizophrenia they have. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking and speech, abnormal motor behaviour, and negative symptoms, such as reduced emotional expression and social withdrawal. Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. Common delusions in schizophrenia include paranoid delusions, where individuals believe that others are plotting against them, and grandiose delusions, where individuals believe that they have special powers or abilities (Stilo & Mu
ay, 2019).
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not based on reality. Auditory hallucinations, where individuals hear voices that are not present, are common symptoms of schizophrenia.
Disorganised thinking and speech can make it difficult for individuals with schizophrenia to communicate effectively. They may speak in a disorganised and illogical manner, making it challenging for others to understand them (Trubetskoy et al., 2022). Abnormal motor behaviour may include repetitive movements or unusual postures. Individuals with schizophrenia may also exhibit catatonic behaviour, where they become immobile and unresponsive. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as reduced emotional expression, such as lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and flattened affect, can be challenging to manage and can impact daily functioning (Merikangas et al., 2022).
Contemporary peer-reviewed literature has identified several risk factors associated with the development of schizophrenia, including advanced paternal age, prenatal and perinatal complications, childhood trauma, and substance abuse. Additionally, researchers have identified several biomarkers that may be useful in the early detection and diagnosis of the disorder, such as abnormalities in
ain structure and function, genetic markers, and inflammation markers (Stilo & Mu
ay, 2019). Contemporary peer-reviewed literature provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology and management of schizophrenia and can aid in providing effective care and support for individuals living with this disorder.
Psychosocial Impact
Schizophrenia can have significant psychosocial impacts on the individual, family, and the wider community. This impact can range from...