Module 52 - Schizophrenia

Question 1

Schizophrenia

Answer 1

means split mind.
Not split personality but split from reality
Defined as a serious psychological disorder characterized by disorganized thinking (delusions), disturbed perceptions (hallucinations), and inappropriate emotions and actions.

Question 2

Disorganized Thinking

Answer 2

Speech may make no apparent sense. Is often fragmented, unordered, and bizarre (with delusions).

Question 3

Delusions:

Answer 3

False beliefs.
of grandeur think they are someone of great importance (e.g., president of United States)
Often paranoid, delusions center on being persecuted. someone is out to get them (like CIA)
may think others can read their thoughts.
Often complex networks of ideas
elaborate story of how they came to be sought
after by the CIA

Question 4

Hallucinations:

Answer 4

A sensory experience in the absence of a
sensory stimulus
Hearing voices (one or more) most common form
Voices may harass the person (you’re no good) or may give instructions (that may be followed)

Question 5

Inappropriate Emotion or Actions

Answer 5

Emotion is split from reality.

Question 6

Positive and Negative Symptoms

Answer 6

Psychologists divide symptoms into 2 categories:
Positive: Things that are abnormally present. hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behaviors (emotions and postures)
Negative: Things that are abnormally absent. flat emotion, inability to concentrate, poor memory and problem solving, no care for body (washing, grooming)

Question 7

What causes Schizophrenia?

Answer 7

Over-active dopamine systems:
Amphetamine and Cocaine enhance dopamine and produce schizophrenia-like effects
Also glutamate (low levels) may be involved

Question 8

Brain Abnormalities

Answer 8

Brain scans (PET) indicate lower activity in frontal lobes
(could explain lack of motivation and disorganized thoughts)
When hallucinating: increased activity in thalamus (which normally transmits and filters incoming sensory information)
Paranoid types had increased amygdala activity (PET)

Question 9

Other Brain Abnormalities

Answer 9

Shrinkage of cortex (more shrinkage, worse symptoms)

Enlargement of fluid filled ventricles