1. Diagnosis And Classification Of Schizophrenia AO1 Flashcards
What is schizophrenia
A collection of seemingly unrelated symptoms - there are many misconceptions and exaggerations surrounding the nature of SZ
What is DSM-5
One positive symptom must be present (e.g. Delusions, hallucinations)
What is ICD-10
Two or more negative symptoms are sufficient for diagnosis (e.g. Abolition and speech poverty)
What is a positive symptom
Additional experiences beyond those of ordinary existence
Name two positive symptoms
Hallucinations and delusions
What are hallucinations
A sensory experience that has no basis in reality or distorted perceptions of real things experienced in relation to any sense
(Eg hearing voices and seeking people who aren’t there)
What are delusions
Beliefs that have no basis in reality - they make a person with schizophrenia behave in ways that make sense to them but are bizarre to others
(Eg beliefs about being a very important person of the victim of a conspiracy)
What is a negative symptom
Loss of usual abilities and experiences
Name two examples of negative symptoms
Avolition and speech poverty
What is avolition
Severe loss of motivation to carry out everyday tasks
What does avolition lead to
Results in lowered activity levels and unwillingness to carry out goal directed behaviour is
What is speech poverty
A reduction in the amount and quality of speech, may include a delay in verbal responses during conversation
What does DSM do in speech poverty
Emphasises speech disorganisation and incoherence
What are the 4 key issues in diagnosis
- Reliability
- Validity
- Co-morbidity
- Symptom overlap
What is reliability
The extent to which the diagnosis of schizophrenia is consistent
