Question

A multidisciplinary team meeting is in progress for Cindy, a 21-year-old college student who has recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Cindy had been an excellent student on the dean’s list until 2 weeks ago, when she stopped attending classes, stayed in her room with the blinds drawn, and refused to eat because "they have poisoned the food." The team includes Cindy’s psychiatrist, primary nurse, unit psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, and a registered dietician. Cindy and her pare

Answer 1

Cindy's case of schizophrenia is managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes medical, psychological, and social support to address the significant challenges she faces, including cognitive impairments and interruptions in her education.

Step-by-step explanation:

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness that can significantly impact cognitive functioning and social interactions. In the scenario described, Cindy, a 21-year-old college student, demonstrates symptoms such as withdrawal from activities, paranoid delusions, and a decline in academic performance. The approach to managing schizophrenia typically involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and a multidisciplinary team to address various aspects of the individual's life, including mental health, nutrition, and occupational therapy.

Psychosis, a symptom of schizophrenia, disrupts a person's thoughts and perceptions, potentially leading to hospitalization and missed schoolwork, and affecting the student's ability to absorb new information and retain previously learned material. Anxiety, distractedness, and memory loss are also common challenges that affect learning in individuals with schizophrenia.

The role of the multidisciplinary team is to create a comprehensive treatment plan to help Cindy manage her symptoms and support her educational goals. By addressing not only the medical but also the psychological and social needs, the team aims to facilitate her path to recovery and return to her academic pursuits.