Clinical characteristics of schizophrenia

Question 1

General features of schizophrenia?

Answer 1

• occurs between the late-teens and mid-thirties
• can be chronic, which is characterised by gradual change over time
• can be acute, which manifests as disturbed behaviour shown very suddenly
• schizophrenics lack insight into their condition

Question 2

What are the different prognosis’ I schizophrenia?

Answer 2

1/3 will suffer one episode and then recover completely

1/3 will recover from initial episode but then suffer further episodes

1/3 will suffer chronic decline

With treatment, about 60% of sufferers manage to live a relatively normal life

Question 3

In Type 1 schizophrenia, what are the positive symptoms

Answer 3

Positive in this context means behaviour that is additional to normal behaviour

1) Hallucinations
2) Delusions
3) disorganised/incoherent speech
4) Catatonic behaviour

Type 1 sufferers often have a later onset of the condition and a better chance of recovery

Question 4

In Type 2 Schizophrenia, what are the negative symptoms

Answer 4

Negative context means lack of “normal” behaviour

1) lack of initiative and perseverance
2) inability to experience pleasure
3) social withdrawal
4) poverty of speech
5) inappropriate emotional response

Question 5

What is the definition of schizophrenia?

Answer 5

A serious mental disorder characterised by severe disruption in cognitive functioning and lack of contact with reality