Understanding Psychosis: A Case Study of Brian

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Brian, a 34-year-old mechanic, was brought to the Psychiatric emergency services by his wife and has been diagnosed with psychosis. The key concern of Brian’s altered mental health will be identified and discussed. Also, this case study will identify and discuss interventions to address his inability to trust. Some potential impacts to him and his family will be discussed including the consideration of stigma and discrimination. Lastly, the relevant legal and ethical issues to this case study are discussed.
A key concern related to Brian’s altered mental health is his inability to trust others. It is evident that people who were diagnosed with psychosis often experience beliefs that are bizarre and absurd. Often they think that simple gestures and movements are …show more content…

They can also experience some auditory and sensory hallucinations just like when Brian claimed that he is receiving messages from Jesus Christ while watching television (Bucci, Startup, Wynn, Heathcote, Baker & Lewin, 2008, p. 326). Also, it was evidenced by his strange behaviours against his wife such as not trusting her, accusing his wife of cheating and poisoning his food. These behaviours may affect his interactions with the health professionals, as he may not believe that they are truly concern about him. Other than his wife, his family may also be affected by his inability to trust (Koivisto, Janhonen, & Vaisanen, 2003, pp. 225-227).
One of the nursing interventions that a nurse could use to address Brian’s inability to trust others is to build a therapeutic relationship with him. According to Stein-Parbury (2009, pp. 25-16), therapeutic relationship is when the nurse is able to maintain and establish a relationship with the patient. The nurse should be able to listen, explore and understand his reality. It allows him to share his thoughts and feelings freely without judgements, as he is highly suspicious to others and even to his wife.

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