A Beautiful Mind - Movie Review

This reflective case study is based upon the academy award winning movie called A Beautiful Mind. The movie depicts a story of a growing young man named John Nash. He is a well groomed mathematician and was dedicated to finding a unique theory for his work. In 1948 he became a graduate student of Princeton University, however was later diagnosed with Schizophrenia. While struggling through his delusions and hallucinations, he met and married Princeton student Alicia. Throughout his graduate years John increasingly displayed the struggle of his delusions, a side that others did not understand. As his imaginary world was ultimately revealed to society and treatment was consequently ongoing, John isolated himself at home with his family. In the late 1970's John then returned to make a difference and teach in a place where he felt most comfortable, Princeton University. In 1994, John was rightfully awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. Life for John was a constant battle however with the dedicated support from his wife and son; John lived a life of triumph. (IMDb, 1990-2012)

John Nash, the unique mathematician was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic neurobiological disorder that has the capacity to alter a person's perception, disturb thought processes and change a persons' behaviour and interactions with other people. Schizophrenia can be categorised into several forms such as paranoid, disorganised, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual. (Swearingen, 2012)

Schizophrenia has been said to affect approximately 24 million people worldwide being more prevalent in people migrating to Australia compared to individuals who are native-born. This condition is considered to be a treatable disorder with many therapies conducted, however treatment remains more effective for the patient within the acute stages of the illness. The world health organisation reported in 2012 that more than 50% of people that have been diagnosed with the condition are not getting sufficient care required. When sufficient care is received, a person with schizophrenia can be incorporated into society a lead a productive life. (Subramanian & Vollm, 2012) (WHO, 2012) Schizophrenia is more commonly displayed within young adults and it is said that every 100 people will experience some form of psychotic episode. (Edward, Munro, Robins, & Welch, 2011)

The signs and symptoms for schizophrenia are categorised as positive, negative or disorganised symptoms. Positive symptoms are described as actual symptoms yet should not be displayed; these include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders, disorganised speech and disorganised or catatonic behaviour. Out of these symptoms, hallucinations and delusions are the most common positive symptom displayed. (Swearingen, 2012)

A delusion is a belief that is false and of a fixed nature even though there is obvious evidence to the conflict the belief. These delusions can