3) Psychotic Disorders

Question 1

Define delusional disorder.

Answer 1

A single or set of related delusion(s) present for 3 months or more, with or without hallucinations. However, there are no real negative symptoms present.

Question 2

What types of delusions are common in depressive psychosis.

Answer 2

• Guilt
• Nihilism
• Poverty

Question 3

What types of delusions are common in manic psychosis.

Answer 3

Grandiose

Question 4

For how long do psychotic symptoms have to be present to qualify for schizophrenia?

Answer 4

1 month

Question 5

Suggest some of the negative symptoms/signs of schizophrenia.

Answer 5

• Lack of drive, will, initiative
• Lack of interest, impaired motivation
• Isolation, self neglect, in own world, withdrawn
• Emotional blunting
• Poverty of speech (alogia)

Question 6

What is the most common cause of death in schizophrenics?

Answer 6

Cardiac

Question 7

Suggest TWO factors that predict a bad outcome in schizophrenia.

Answer 7

• Arises insidiously

- Lasts a longer time undiagnosed/untreated

Question 8

Suggest some types of hypochondrial (somatic) delusions.

Answer 8

• Olfactory (extreme halitosis/body odour)
• Infestation (insects under skin)
• Dysmorphic (ugliness/mishapen)

Question 9

What are the three most common auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.

Answer 9

• Repeating/pre-empting patient’s thoughts
• Voices commenting on person’s thoughts/behaviour
• Two voices discussing/`arguing about the person

Question 10

If first-presentation psychosis has been present less then a month, what is described as?

Answer 10

Acute psychotic disorder

Question 11

Explain why many typical antipsychotics are effective in treating the positive symptoms/signs of schizophrenia.

Answer 11

There is high dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway, a dopamine blockade (commonly at D2 with typicals) reduces this and the positive symptoms reduce.

Question 12

What drug can be given to help with EPSEs caused by antipsychotics?

Answer 12

Procyclidine