Nursing Care of Schizophrenia Patients with Amphetamine Dependence : 2 Case Studies

Abstract

      This study is a case study aimed at comparing nursing care for patients with schizophrenia and comorbid amphetamine dependence through two case studies. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Both patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia with amphetamine dependence and were admitted as inpatients to the Metta Psychiatric Ward, Kalasin Hospital. Case Study 1 was hospitalized from October 10 to November 6, 2025, and Case Study 2 from November 27 to December 17, 2025. The study instruments included inpatient medical records, interviews with patients, families, and community members, symptom assessment, history taking, and physical examination. Gordon’s 11 Functional Health Patterns were applied as the conceptual framework to analyze data, formulate nursing diagnoses, develop nursing care plans, and continuously evaluate nursing outcomes.

      Study Results: The results showed that both patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia with amphetamine dependence, and laboratory findings revealed positive urine methamphetamine tests. Following treatment and nursing care, both patients showed stabilized psychiatric symptoms, no aggressive behaviors toward themselves or others, and no property destruction. They accepted their illness, adhered to prescribed medications, experienced no adverse drug reactions, no acute amphetamine intoxication, and no complications related to amphetamine withdrawal. Interpersonal relationships and family interactions improved, and families demonstrated increased knowledge and understanding of caregiving.