How long must the symptoms of schizophrenia be present before a ...

[Jipu 123]

How long must the symptoms of schizophrenia be present before a diagnosis can be made?
 
  a. At least 6 months
  b. At least 1 month
  c. More than 1 week
  d. On at least three occasions in the past year

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with a history of depression disorder tells the nurse, My primary-care provider told me to start taking fish oil capsules to prevent heart disease
 
  Will it cause problems with my mental illness? Select the nurse's best response.
  a. It will not cause problems. It may actually help with your depressed feelings.
  b. I cannot discuss recommendations you received from another health care provider.
  c. It would be better for you to take vitamins C and E. I will notify your primary-care provider.
  d. Please have your primary-care provider call me so we can discuss issues related to this preparation.

[amandalm]

Answer to Question 1

A
To meet diagnostic criteria, signs of schizophrenia must be continuously present for a minimum of 6 months and not caused by substance abuse or a medical disorder.

Answer to Question 2

A
Fish oil capsules supplement omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These substances not only provide cardiovascular benefits; studies have demonstrated positive results in ameliorating depression after 2 or more weeks of omega-3 . The other options fail to support the patient with appropriate information.