Definition and negative and positive symptoms

Question 1

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 1

-A collection of symptoms that appear to be unrelated to each other and there is no single defining characteristic
-A mental disorder characterised by confusion between reality and whats in the mind

Question 2

What are hallucinations and are they a positive or negative symptom?

Answer 2

-positive
-Sensory experiences which are perceived in the absence of external stimuli or a distorted perception of real stimuli
-most common is auditory but can be any of the senses

Question 3

What are delusions and are they a positive or negative symptom?

Answer 3

-Positive
-distorted/false beliefs that have no basis within reality
-May behave in ways that are bizarre to others

Question 4

What are paranoid delusions?

Answer 4

-persecutory beliefs that aliens or the government are trying to kill them for example

Question 5

What are delusions of grandeur?

Answer 5

Whereby the individual believes that they are someone of significant importance, such as a religious prophet.

Question 6

What is speech poverty and is it a positive or negative symptom?

Answer 6

-Negative
-A reduction in the amount of quality of speech, with very brief replies and minimal elaboration
-May include a delay in verbal responses during conversation

Question 7

What is avolition and is it a positive or negative symptom?

Answer 7

-Negative
-Severe loss of motivation to carry out everyday tasks
-For example work, hobbies, personal care resulting in lowered activity levels.