Schizophrenia

Name the Symptom

100

I hear a voice speaking when no one else is present. What symptom am I?

Auditory hallucination

200

^{I believe that people are watching me, following me, or planning to harm me, even when there is no clear evidence. What symptom am I?}

Paranoia

300

My thought process is difficult to follow because I jump between unrelated ideas or give answers that do not connect clearly to the question. What symptom am I?”

Disorganized thinking 

400

I believe that television programs or social-media posts contain special messages meant specifically for me. What symptom am I?

Delusion

500

I avoid spending time with others and have little interest in social activities. What symptom am I?

Social withdrawal- Depression 

What's that Coping Skill

100

I hear voices, so I put on calming music or use headphones to help shift my attention. What coping skill am I using?

Distraction

200

I feel like people are watching me, so I ask a trusted person to help me check whether there is evidence for that thought. What coping skill am I using?

Reality checking

300

I start feeling overwhelmed, so I slowly breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. What coping skill am I using?

Deep breathing- Box breathing

400

I take my medicine as prescribed and tell my treatment team if I notice side effects. What coping skill am I using?

Medication Management

500

I follow a regular schedule for sleeping, eating, taking medicine, and completing daily activities. What coping skill am I using?

Keeping a routine

What Med to Use?

100

I hear voices and strongly believe people are following me. Which type of medication may help reduce these symptoms?

Antipsychotic medication

Antipsychotic medications help reduce symptoms such as hearing voices, paranoia, unusual beliefs, confused thinking, and severe agitation.

They mainly work by changing how certain brain chemicals send messages:

• Dopamine: Most antipsychotics block or balance dopamine activity. Too much dopamine signaling in some brain pathways is associated with hallucinations and delusions.
• Serotonin: Many newer antipsychotics also affect serotonin, which may influence mood, thinking, and side effects.

200

"I have trouble remembering to take a pill every day. Which medication option could provide treatment for several weeks or months?

Long-acting antipsychotic injection

Examples: 

Abilify Maintena

Invega Sustenna

Risperdal Consta

Haldol Decanoate

Zyprexa Relprevv

300

My muscles become very stiff, and I have a tremor. What PRN should I use?

Cogentin/ Benadryl- These medications reduce certain antipsychotic movement side effects by blocking acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in muscle movement. 

Propranolol (Seldom) - Beta blocker that works by blocking the effects of adrenaline. 

400

I am feeling anxious and tense.  Which PRN medication should I use? 

Vistaril- Helps anxiety by blocking histamine, a brain chemical involved in alertness. Its calming and sedating effects can reduce tension, nervousness, and physical agitation. 

Propranolol- Benta blocker that helps by blocking adrenaline

Ativan or other Benzodiazepine- These medications reduce anxiety by strengthening the effect of GABA, a chemical that slows overactive brain activity. It can quickly reduce severe anxiety, panic, or agitation and is often prescribed as needed. 

500

I am feeling agitated. I want to yell at staff and am concerned I may become unsafe. What PRN would I use and who should I talk to?

You should always talk with the unit RN and/ or provider when experiencing agitation. They can assist with utilizing coping skills and/ or selecting the correct PRN such as:

Ativan or other Benzodiazepine- This medication reduces agitation by strengthening the effect of GABA, a chemical that slows overactive brain activity. It can quickly reduce severe anxiety, panic, or agitation and is often prescribed as needed. 

Vistaril- This medication works by blocking histamine, a brain chemical involved in alertness. Its calming and sedating effects can reduce tension, nervousness, and physical agitation. 

What's that Side Effect?

100

I feel unable to sit still, often after starting or changing medication. What symptom am I?

Restlessness or akathisia

Antipsychotic medications can cause restlessness by changing dopamine signaling in brain pathways that control movement. 

200

My medication causes increased appetite, weight gain, or high blood sugar. What is the safest response?

Discuss side-effect management or a medication change with my prescriber. Your may need a dose adjustment or medication switch. 

Certain antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants - can cause weight gain through several effects:

• Increased appetite and cravings: Changes in histamine and serotonin signaling can make a person hungrier or less likely to feel full.
• Slower metabolism: Some medications change how the body handles sugar and fat.
• Reduced activity: Sleepiness, fatigue, or stiffness can make physical activity more difficult.
• Fluid retention: A few medications can cause temporary water-weight gain.

300

After starting medication, my muscles become very stiff and I develop a tremor in my hands, arms and tongue. What side effect am I. 

Involuntary movements or Tardive Dyskinesia

Psych medications often cause involuntary movements because they block dopamine, a brain chemical involved in controlling movement. 

400

Since starting my medication, my mouth feels very dry, and I feel thirsty often. What side effect am I experiencing?

Dry mouth

Some psychiatric medications cause dry mouth because they block acetylcholine, a chemical that helps activate the salivary glands.

500

After taking my medication, I feel sleepy and have trouble staying awake during the day. What side effect am I experiencing?

Drowsiness