A client with schizophrenia mentions, "My legs are turning to rubber because I have an incurable disease." What symptom does this statement illustrate?

The statement made by the client, "My legs are turning to rubber because I have an incurable disease," illustrates depersonalization. Depersonalization is a dissociative symptom where individuals feel detached from themselves or their bodies, often experiencing a sense of unreality regarding their physical form. In this case, the client's perception that their legs are turning to rubber suggests a disconnection from their bodily sensations, indicating a distorted experience of their physical state.

This symptom can arise in various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, and reflects an individual's struggle to reconcile reality with their internal experiences. The mention of an "incurable disease" may contribute to feelings of hopelessness or despair, further exacerbating the sensation of detachment from the body.

Understanding depersonalization is crucial in mental health nursing, as it can have significant implications for a client's overall well-being and requires targeted therapeutic interventions to address the underlying issues. Recognizing such symptoms helps in providing compassionate and effective care.