Hallucination management in patient with schizophrenia experiencing sensory perception disorders

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotions, and behavior, with auditory hallucinations being one of its most prominent symptoms. This case study explores the application of hallucination management nursing interventions in a 35-year-old male patient with schizophrenia and sensory perception disturbances, who was admitted to Soerojo Hospital, Magelang. The patient presented with behaviors such as talking to himself, restlessness, poor concentration, social withdrawal, and repeated auditory hallucinations, often hearing whispering voices in the evening or late at night. Over four sessions, the interventions included monitoring hallucinatory behavior, providing psychoeducation on hallucination control techniques (e.g., rebuking voices, scheduled activities), encouraging communication, and collaborating in the administration of antipsychotic medications (clozapine and risperidone). The results showed a notable reduction in hallucination frequency, improved concentration, decreased social withdrawal, and better emotional control. These improvements indicate that hallucination management is effective in enhancing patients' sensory perception, reality orientation, and self-control. From a nursing perspective, this case highlights the importance of comprehensive and structured intervention in managing sensory perception disorders in schizophrenia. The therapeutic relationship, consistent education, and collaboration in pharmacological treatment were instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes. Hallucination management effectively reduces the intensity and frequency of hallucinations and enhances the patient's ability to cope with psychotic symptoms, making it a valuable component of psychiatric nursing care for patients with schizophrenia experiencing sensory perception disturbances.

Keywords: Hallucination management, mental health nursing, nursing care, schizophrenia, sensory perception disorders