L6 &7 schizophrenia_flashcards
What are the major etiological factors contributing to schizophrenia?
Genetics, developmental influences, biochemical influences (dopamine hypothesis), brain structure abnormalities, family dynamics, cultural influences, social status, stressors like child abuse.
What is the dopamine hypothesis in schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is linked to increased dopamine activity; antipsychotic drugs reduce dopamine transmission, and excess dopamine can induce psychosis (e.g., amphetamine psychosis).
What is the concordance rate of schizophrenia in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins?
45% for MZ twins, 10-15% for DZ twins. Other studies suggest 28% for MZ twins and 6% for DZ twins.
What are some structural brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia?
MRI studies show abnormalities leading to nerve damage and disconnections in brain pathways.
How does family dynamics contribute to schizophrenia?
Concepts like ‘schizophrenogenic mothers,’ double-bind hypothesis, and high expressed emotion (criticism, hostility, overinvolvement) are linked to schizophrenia.
How does social status relate to schizophrenia?
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is inversely related to schizophrenia rates; hypotheses include social selection vs. social causation (sociogenic).
How do cultural factors influence schizophrenia outcomes?
Patients in developing countries often have better outcomes than those in industrialized nations.
What neurotransmitters other than dopamine are implicated in schizophrenia?
Research suggests involvement of other neurotransmitters, though dopamine remains central.
What is the role of stressors in schizophrenia?
Child sexual abuse and other early-life stressors increase schizophrenia risk.
How is schizophrenia classified in ICD and DSM?
ICD-10 and DSM-5 classify schizophrenia as a primary psychotic disorder under distinct diagnostic criteria.
What are the major causes of mental disorders?
Genetics, early development, drug use, loss of a family member, disease or injury, life experiences, and cultural factors.
What are the most common mental disorders?
Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia), mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders (histrionic personality disorder), and eating disorders.
How do sociocultural factors influence conversion disorders?
Cultures valuing uninhibited emotional displays have higher rates of conversion disorders.
What is dissociation in HPD (histrionic personality disorder)?
Patients may display two or more personalities that exist without integration.
What are common defense mechanisms in HPD?
Displacement (shifting anger to another person) and rationalization (justifying behavior to appear acceptable).
What role does family dynamics play in schizophrenia?
Concepts like ‘schizophrenogenic mothers,’ double-bind communication, and high expressed emotion (criticism, hostility, overinvolvement) contribute.
What are the social factors influencing schizophrenia?
Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to higher schizophrenia rates, explained by social selection vs. social causation hypotheses.
How does labeling theory relate to schizophrenia?
Being labeled as mentally ill can perpetuate symptoms due to social stigma and expectations.
What are the major contributing factors to depression?
Genetic vulnerability, developmental issues, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine imbalances, psychosocial factors, and life stressors.
How does parental history of depression affect children?
Children of depressed parents have a three-fold increased risk of developing depression.
What are the major risk factors for bipolar disorder?
Genetics, environmental factors, social stigma, and misdiagnosis due to overlapping psychotic symptoms.
What biological factor contributes to anxiety?
Low levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces CNS activity, contribute to anxiety.
How do medications like SSRIs affect anxiety?
SSRIs are commonly used for anxiety, potentially working through GABA modulation rather than just mood improvement.
How do substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines affect anxiety?
They can induce or worsen anxiety and panic attacks, especially with prolonged use.
What are the two main types of mental disorder classifications?
Organic disorders (brain diseases like dementia) and functional disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, mood disorders).
How are organic syndromes classified?
Acute (e.g., delirium), sub-acute, and chronic (e.g., dementia).
What is the main feature of organic syndromes?
Altered consciousness, often seen in conditions like delirium and substance use disorders.
How do neurosis and psychosis differ?
Neurotic patients retain insight and reality testing, while psychotic patients construct a false environment.
How does personality change in neurotic vs. psychotic disorders?
Depression can significantly alter personality, whereas some psychotic patients retain a stable personality.
What are the key differences between ICD-10 and DSM-5?
ICD-10 is international (WHO), with separate clinical and research criteria, while DSM-5 (APA) is used primarily in the US, with no multi-axial system and inclusion of social factors.
What are the main diagnostic systems for mental disorders?
ICD-10 (WHO), DSM-5 (APA), and their previous versions like ICD-9, DSM-IV.
What are the three axes in ICD multi-axial diagnosis?
Axis I: Clinical diagnoses, Axis II: Disabilities, Axis III: Contextual factors (ecological domains).
Why is mental health important in overall health?
Mental health is essential for well-being; there is no health without mental health.
