Classification And Diagnosis Of Schizophrenia

Question 1

What does it mean by “classification of a mental disorder”?

Answer 1

The process of organising symptoms into categories based on which symptoms frequently cluster together.

Question 2

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 2

A severe mental disorder where contact with reality and insight are impaired, an example of psychosis.

Question 3

What are the two main systems used for diagnosing schizophrenia?

Answer 3

ICD-10. DSM-5.

Question 4

What is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Answer 4

Additional experiences beyond those of ordinary existence.

Question 5

What is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Answer 5

Loss of usual abilities and experiences.

Question 6

Name the positive symptoms we have looked at:

Answer 6

Hallucinations/delusions and disorganised speech.

Question 7

Name the negative symptoms we have looked at:

Answer 7

Avolition, speech poverty and diminished emotional expression.

Question 8

What are hallucinations?

Answer 8

Hallucinations are an unusual sensory experience. Some are related to the events in the environment whereas others bear no relationship to what the senses are picking up.

Question 9

What are delusions?

Answer 9

Also known as paranoia, they are irrational beliefs.
e.g Being an important historical, political or religious figure.

Question 10

What is speech poverty?

Answer 10

A reduction in the amount and quality of speech. May also involve a delay in the person’s verbal responses.

Question 11

What is avolition?

Answer 11

Often called apathy- it means finding it difficult to keep up with goal-directed activity.
Lack of motivation to carry out activities.

Question 12

What is comorbitiy?

Answer 12

Two disorders or conditions are diagnosed together, E.G a person may have schizophrenia and personality disorder.
If two conditions are diagnosed commonly together the validity of the classification may be questioned.

Question 13

What is symptom overlap?

Answer 13

Two or more conditions share symptoms.
If symptoms overlap into other disorders it may call into question the validity of classification.

Question 14

What is the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Answer 14

Two or more symptoms present for a significant portion during a one month period- one must be a positive symptom.
Continuous sign of disturbance for 6 months.
Schizoaffective disorder/bipolar ruled out
Not due to substance abuse
If a history of autism, diagnosis only made if hallucinations or delusions present.

Question 15

Why is there gender bias in diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Answer 15

Men have been diagnosed more with schizophrenia since 1980s. (1.4:1)
Arguments around the idea women have more close relationships and get more support.

Question 16

Why might there be culture bias in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Answer 16

Some symptoms have different meaning in different cultures e.g may be a good thing to “hear voices” in certain cultures attributed to spiritualism etc.