Introduction to Schizophrenia Flashcards
Define Schizophrenia
It is a psychotic disorder characterised by major disturbances of thought, emotion and behaviour, withdrawal from people and reality. It affects the way people think, feel and behave.
What does psychotic mean?
The loss of touch to reality.
Who is affected by schizophrenia?
It affects about 1% (equally between men and women), and the most common onset age is the mid-20s for men and 30s for women.
What is a positive symptom? Give examples
Positive symptoms are additions to normal behaviour. For example hallucinations and delusions.
What is a negative symptom? Give examples
Removal of normal behaviours. Eg, flattened emotion, low mood.
What is type one and two?
Schizophrenia comes in two types- type one is consisting of mainly positive symptoms.
Type two is mostly negative symptoms.
How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
There are 6 criteria for the diagnosis, and the patient must have a few of these:
A-They must show characteristics of it for at least a month. OR one characteristic if it is bizarre and damaging (delusions).
B-Social, occupational functioning below levels before the symptoms.
C-Continuous signs for six months.
D-No major changes in mood (depression).
E-No evidence of organic factors (drugs)
F-If there is a history of developmental disorder.