Schizophrenia and Extrapyramidal Symptoms Review

Vocabulary based on lecture notes covering schizophrenia causes, nursing interventions, and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) associated with medication.

Genetic and Cortical Abnormalities

Identified factors in the functioning and cause of the disorder, noted as more significant than family dysfunction.

Anticholinergics

Medications utilized to counteract EPS (Extrapyramidal symptoms).

Nursing Intervention: Communication

NEVER whisper or laugh around patients and NEVER reinforce hallucinations, delusions, or illusions.

EPS

Stands for Extrapyramidal symptoms, which can include parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia.

Drug Induced parkinsonism (pseudoparkinsonism)

Symptoms typically appear within $1-8$ weeks.

Akathisia

Symptoms of agitation and restlessness that appear $2-10$ weeks after starting medication.

Dystonia

Symptoms that appear within $1-8$ weeks consisting of bizarre distortion of involuntary movement of any muscle group.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Extrapyramidal symptoms that appear within $1-8$ weeks.

Tetracyclic Antidepressants

A drug class that includes Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Mitazine (Remeron), and Trazadone (Desyrel, Oleptro).

Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin)

The drug administered to a schizophrenia patient receiving Haldol who develops EPS.

Supportive milieu

Part of the medical treatment and environment for patient care.