Holistic Care of Persons With Schizophrenia

Course overview

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease affecting nearly 1% of the United States population. Schizophrenia is considered the most disabling of the mental disorders, impacting all areas of an individual's life. Health care professionals working with individuals with schizophrenia may face challenges related to disease symptomology and management. This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia, including symptomology and management of the disease. Topics to be covered include: theories of etiology and prevalence of the disease; common symptoms experienced by individuals with schizophrenia; the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia; as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of common symptoms. Important topics for patient and caregiver teaching will be included throughout. Information presenting in this course will be useful when working with individuals with schizophrenia in all non-home health settings. The target audience for this course includes nurses (LPNs & RNs), Advanced Practice Nurses, and Physician Assistants (PAs). Course content could also be beneficial for athletic trainers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.