Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome

Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome

A family identity deterioration syndrome is a mental illness in which an individual experiences a breakdown in relationships and difficulty maintaining positive self-image. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including traumatic or shocking situations, substance addiction, financial or social instability, physical and emotional abuse, breakups, school or workplace issues, or aging. When present, the syndrome has significant implications on quality of life and its symptoms can have severe consequences. This article will explain nursing diagnosis definition, defining characteristics, related factors, risk populations, associated problems, suggested alternative diagnosis, usage tips, NOC results, NIC intervention and conclude with FAQ.

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

The National Alliance for Nursing Diagnosis defines 'Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome' as “a pattern of deterioration in an individual’s identity in relation to the family, leading to a decline in self–worth and increased distress.”

Defining Characteristics

Subjective

• Feeling of being lost and hopeless
• Loss of identity and purpose
• Sense of being disconnected from the family
• Sense of worthlessness and isolation
• Fear of being different or disconnected
• Difficulty coping with everyday tasks

Objectives

• Decreased communication with family members
• Increased fatigue due to difficulty managing activities
• Decrease in social interaction away from family
• Reduced concentration and focus
• Loss of appetite
• Declining performance at work or school

Related Factors

The following are related factors associated with Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome:

• Psychological: Experiencing difficult family dynamics, lacking family attachment, or facing instability such as frequent change of residence, education, or job.
• Environmental: Negative family atmosphere characterized by criticism and lack of appreciation, or experiencing poverty or psychological distress of family members.
• Social: Lacking skills needed to interact with others, limited availability of supportive services, or presence of peer pressure.
• Developmental: Moving through puberty, leaving home for college or job, or needing to make independent decisions.

Risk Population

People most at risk of developing Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome include those from a family with personal conflicts, those with a history of physical and/or psychological abuse, children of divorce, and those with previous exposure or experiences of neglect or abandonment. Anyone facing significant changes in their life can also be at risk.

Associated Problems

Patients with family identity deterioration syndrome may also suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and impaired social skills. They may become withdrawn, easily frustrated, and display uncharacteristic behaviors like hurting themselves, indulging in substance abuse, or exhibiting aggressive behaviors towards family or friends.

Suggestions of Use

nursing diagnosis can be used to facilitate patient-nurse communication, improve outcomes, and provide safe and effective nursing care. When using this diagnosis, nurses should assess the patient’s condition, identify potential risk factors, and observe patients for signs and symptoms of Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnoses

The following alternative diagnoses can be made when diagnosing Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome:

• Ineffective Family Coping: Family unable to meet individual or family health needs and cope with adversity.
• Disturbed Family Processes: Inability to maintain roles and boundaries within the family due to environmental stressors.
• Role Strain: Overlapping roles create confusion and dysfunction.
• Role Conflict: Contradictory expectations among or within roles.
• Risk for Decreased Intracranial Adaptive Capacity: At risk for inadequate response to unexpected metabolic, structural or environmental changes.

Usage Tips

When using a family identity deterioration syndrome diagnosis, nurses should carefully evaluate patient and family history, provide support through patient education, encourage involvement in social-support activities, provide psychotherapy, refer patients to specialist if needed, monitor medications and other interventions prescribed, and provide follow-up care.

NOC Results

Patients with family identity deterioration syndrome may display the following NOC results:

• Self-Care: Ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Body Image: Perception or opinion of oneself.
• Coping: Resiliency to stressors.
• Social Interaction: Ability to initiate and sustain positive relationships.
• Self-Concept: One's level of self-understanding and acceptance.
• Family Processes: Minimizing external stresses while meeting problem-solving needs.

NIC Interventions

The following NIC interventions can be used to improve a patient’s family identity deterioration syndrome:

• Counseling: Providing verbal and nonverbal support to help clients discuss feelings.
• Family Therapy: Helping families develop better communication and decision-making skills.
• Life Skills Education: Teaching clients decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution.
• Environmental Management: Creating physical and emotional environments that promote family wellness.
• Relaxation Training: Teaching clients relaxation techniques to ease tension and provide a sense of calm.
• Support System Enhancement: Teaching problem-solving strategies to strengthen family ties.

Conclusion

Family identity deterioration syndrome is a serious mental illness with long-term implications for quality of life and well-being. Through early detection and appropriate treatment, individuals with the disease can manage their symptoms and maintain healthier functioning. It is important for nurses to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disorder and to be alert for any changes in the patient’s condition.

FAQ

• What is family identity deterioration syndrome? Family identity deterioration syndrome is a mental illness in which an individual experiences a breakdown in relationships and difficulty maintaining positive self-image.
• Who is at risk for this disorder? People most at risk of developing Family Identity Deterioration Syndrome include those from a family with personal conflicts, those with a history of physical and/or psychological abuse, children of divorce, and those with previous exposure or experiences of neglect or abandonment.
• How can this disorder be treated?nursing diagnosis can be used to facilitate patient-nurse communication, improve outcomes, and provide safe and effective nursing care. Treatment can involve counseling, family therapy, life skills education, environmental management, relaxation training, and support system enhancement.