lecture 14 - psychotic spectrum disorders

Question 1

What is psychosis?

Answer 1

an abnormal mental state involving significant problems with perception of reality, characterised by impairment of higher brain functions such as cognitive processing, emotional regulation, etc. which is manifested as delusions, hallucinations, etc.

Question 2

What are the 5 key features of psychosis under the DSM-5?

Answer 2

delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking and speech, disorganised motor behaviour, incl. catatonia, negative symptoms

Question 3

What are delusions, in psychosis?

Answer 3

Beliefs that are not open to change despite contrary evidence

Question 4

What are hallucination in psychosis?

Answer 4

perceptions without external stimuli

Question 5

What are negative symptoms in psychosis?

Answer 5

Lack of emotional expression: serious expression, lack of communication/emotion, lack of motivation

Question 6

What is catatonia

Answer 6

Withdrawal from reality: fixed position, agitation, repetitive overactivity, etc.

Question 7

What is the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia?

Answer 7

1.) 2 or more off the symptoms of psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, disorganised motor or catatonic behaviour, negative symptoms) for a significant part of a 1 month period
2.) low level of function at work, interpersonal relations, self-care, academic, etc.
3.) signs of disturbance for 6months+
4.) other mood or psychotic disorders ruled out
5.) not due to medication
6.) not due to autism