Classification of Sz. Positive and Negative symptoms

Question 1

Outline the classification systems for Sz (4 marks)

Answer 1

Schizophrenia (Sz) appears to be a collection of unrelated symptoms. Two major ways of classifying and diagnosing mental disorders: ICD-11 (UK) requires two or more negative symptoms to diagnose SZ. The ICD-11 recognises subtypes of Sz i.e. Paranoid schizophrenia & Catatonic SZ. DSM-5 (USA) requires one positive symptoms for a diagnosis. The DSM-5 doesn’t recognise subtypes of SZ.

Question 2

Outline what is meant by positive symptoms and outline two different positive symptoms of Sz

Answer 2

An additional experience added to ordinary existence:

Hallucinations-unusual sensory experiences which have no position in reality i.e. auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) or visual hallucinations (seeing objects that aren’t there).

Delusions- irrational beliefs which have no position in reality, people may behave in a way that seems sensible to them but strange to others i.e. delusions of persecution (false belief of being harassed) or delusions of control (false belief that you are being controlled by something external)

Question 3

Outline what is meant by negative symptoms and outline two different negative symptoms of Sz

Answer 3

A loss of usual abilities and experiences-

Avolition- severe loss of motivation to carry out everyday tasks or keep a goal such poor hygiene and lack of energy.

Speech poverty- a reduction in the amount and quality of speech with delays in responses