From optimism to pessimism : A case study of a psychiatric patient

• This article focuses on the results of a single case study which illuminates an understanding of phases in nursing care for a patient in a psychiatric setting in Sweden. The focus of this study is a fifty year old man who showed progressive deterioration from increased motor activity to oral, sexual, destructive and aggressive actions. The data collection using five methods occurred during a 21 months period. Results of the content analyses processes identified four distinct but indiscreet phases of the patient’s complex condition. The medical and nursing care was categorised in three approaches: optimistic, strategic and resigned. The results raise the question whether there is action that is without any meaning as an expression of the patient´s wishes, thoughts and feelings. It seems clear that the patient in this study felt really angry and in despair. However, during moments of lucidity, he also indicated that he felt this was not an authentic expression of his "real" self. His experience was that of a splintered world.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Bizarre actions

Nursing care

Psychiatry

Physical milieu

Single-case design

Treatment resistance

Caring sciences

Vårdvetenskap

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)