classifications of schizophrenia Flashcards
1
Q
what is schizophrenia?
A
- in the DSM it is classed as a psychosis, the sufferer has no concept of reality
- it is culturally universal but the symptoms and incidence vary culturally
- the peak incidence onset is 25-30 years, there are no gender differences but it appears earlier in men
- treatments can relieve symptoms but most people will continue to suffer from some throughout their lives
2
Q
positive symptoms
A
- symptoms that aren’t usually present in a normal person
- reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning
- have symptoms like hearing voices or believing others are reading their minds or plotting to harm them
- this can leave them fearful and withdrawn
3
Q
delusions
A
- false beliefs held despite being illogical (no evidence for them or they make no sense)
- delusions of persecution = others want to harm, threaten or manipulate you
- delusions of grandeur = that you are an important person, even god-like and have powers
- delusions of control = they are under the control of an alien force that’s invaded their mind and/or body
4
Q
hallucinations
A
- disturbances in perception that have no basis in reality
- the most common is auditory but can include smell, touch and sight
- can be a single person or many, familiar or unfamiliar
- the voices may instruct them to do something or tell them they’re evil, or tell them to do something to harm themselves or others
5
Q
negative symptoms
A
- cause a decline in functioning
- they reflect a loss of normal function, e.g. someone may not be able to work at a job requiring the same level of concentration as the one before they were ill
- can also affect their ability to function at home, e.g. they may not be able to do household chores
6
Q
speech poverty
A
- the inability to speak properly, characterised by a lack of ability to produce fluent words
- reflects slowing or blocked thoughts
- often manifests as short and empty replies to questions
7
Q
avolition
A
- the reduction, difficulty or inability to start and continue goal-directed behaviour
- often mistook for disinterest
- e.g. not being interested in: meeting with friends, activities they used to show enthusiasm for, anything in general
