Dyskinesia in chronic schizophrenia: an examination of the psychiatric nurse's perspective and its implications for physiotherapy

Abstract

The emerging biological explanation for dyskinesia in schizophrenia may allow physiotherapists to become involved in their treatment. However, this could be influenced by the views of psychiatric nurses who are major referers to physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' views on the aetiology and management of dyskinesia in schizophrenia. Four out of six nurses (randomly selected from a population of 83) took part in an unstructured group interview. Content analysis of transcripts identified five abnormal movement categories (oro-facial, posture, hand tremors, gait, and head, trunk and limbs) and five aetiological symbols (drugs, abnormal mental state, eclectic, mood, and behaviour). Contingency analysis revealed that drugs were the most consistent aetiological factor in all movement categories. Organic causes were not mentioned. An acknowledgement of these biological explanations by nursing staff may enhance the future development of physiotherapy intervention in mental illness.

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