L8 - Schizophrenia, substance abuse

Question 1

what are the key characteristics of psychotic disorders?

Answer 1

Delusions - fixed beliefs not amenable to change despite conflicting evidence

Hallucinations - vivid, clear perception-like experiences without an external stimulus

disorganised thinking/speech - switching from one topic to another with answers possibly unrelated, impairing effective communication

Grossly disorganised/abnormal motor behaviour - ranges from catatonia (marked decrease in reactivity) to unpredictable agitation

Question 2

what’s psychosis?

Answer 2

broad construct representing a state of mind characterised by loss of touch with reality invl. symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and withdrawal from society

Question 3

what’s heterogeneity?

Answer 3

psychotic disorders vary widely in presentation and severity

Question 4

what’s inducement?

Answer 4

may be induced by substances, medications, toxins or other medical conditions

Question 5

what’s the classification of psychotic disorders?

Answer 5

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Delusional Disorder

Catatonia

Brief Psychotic Disorder: More than a day but remits by 1 month.

Schizophreniform Disorder: Less than 6 months.

Schizophrenia: At least 6 months, including 1 month of active-phase symptoms.

Question 6

What is sz?

Answer 6

a specific form of psychosis

Question 7

what are positive symptoms?

Answer 7

presence of abnormal experiences or behaviours (e.g., hallucinations or delusions)

Question 8

what are negative symptoms?

Answer 8

deficits in normal emotional, cognitive or behavioural functioning (e.g., flat affect, social withdrawal)

Question 9

what are cognitive symptoms?

Answer 9

impairments in attention, memory, executive function and processing speed

Question 10

what are the interventions of Sz?

Answer 10

Antipsychotic Medications: Reduce positive symptoms but do not cure the disease.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Recognizes and challenges distorted beliefs, reduces distress from hallucinations and delusions, improves coping skills.

Family Therapy: Provides psychoeducation, improves communication, and offers support and skills training.

Social Skills Training: Enhances communication and interpersonal interactions.

Arts Therapy: Promotes creative and safe expression, alleviates negative symptoms.

Question 11

what is substance use?

Answer 11

consumption of a psychoactive substance without necessarily leading to negative consequence or impairment

Question 12

what’s substance abuse?

Answer 12

recurrent use despite negative consequences

Question 13

what’s substance dependence (addiction)

Answer 13

compulsive use, tolerance, withdrawal symptom and difficulty controlling use

Question 14

What are substance use disorders (SUDs)

Answer 14

cognitive, behavioural and physiological symptoms indicating continuous use despite significant problems

Question 15

what ae substance-induced disorders?

Answer 15

physiological effects of exogenous substances on the central nervous system, including psychotic, bipolar, depressive and sleep disorders

Question 16

What are the 3 key features and effects of SUDs?

Answer 16

Mental Health: can exacerbate or lead to mental health disorders

Physical Health: can cause liver disease, respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, neurological damage, and increased risk of infectious diseases

Social and Behavioural: strained relationships, job loss, financial problems, legal issues and involvement in risky behaviours

Question 17

What are the 3 risk factors of SUDs?

Answer 17

Biological: genetic predisposition, family history

Environmental: early exposure to substances, stressful life events, trauma, major life transitions, peer pressure, availability of substances, socioeconomic inequality

Psychological: co-occuring mental health disorders, coping mechanisms, impulsivity and sensation seeking

Question 18

What are the interventions for SUDs

Answer 18

Pharmacological/Medication-Assisted Treatment: Various medications depending on the substance involved.

Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions:

CBT: Challenges maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, develops coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and relapse prevention techniques.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): Enhances motivation and commitment to change.
Individual Counseling and

Family Therapy: Offers personalized support and guidance.

Support Services: Peer support programs, residential rehabilitation programs.