Option 2: Schizophrenia

Question 1

what is schizophrenia?

Answer 1

a mental disorder characterised by disruption of cognition and emotion.
it manifests through a person’s sense of self, actions, thoughts, perceptions and language.

Question 2

what diagnostic tools are used to diagnose schizophrenia (Sz)?

Answer 2

usually the DSM-V

Question 3

what clinical symptoms are sought out to diagnose Sz?

Answer 3

delusion
hallucinations
disorganised speech (e.g frequent derailment, incoherence)
grossly disorganised (catatonic behaviour)
negative symptoms (e.g alogia, avolition, affective flattering)

Question 4

how many symptoms of Sz are needed to diagnose Sz?

Answer 4

two or more

Question 5

what is the exception in the amount of symptoms needed to diagnose Sz?

Answer 5

only one symptom needed if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of running commentary or conversations.

Question 6

what are positive symptoms?

Answer 6

these ‘add’ or distort normal functions

Question 7

what are negative symptoms?

Answer 7

these ‘take away’ or indicate a loss of normal functioning.

Question 8

explain hallucinations as a positive symptom.

Answer 8

-it is a sensory malfunction, meaning you perceive the environment incorrectly.
-usually hearing voices, but can also be seeing things, smelling or even feeling things that aren’t there.
-hearing voices takes on several forms; running commentary, discussion of patient, voices from another part of the body.

Question 9

explain delusions as a positive symptom.

Answer 9

-these are bizarre beliefs, rather than perecpetions. for example, paranoid delusions (fear of being watched, persecution, etc.)
-there are also delusions of reference; believing secret messages meant just for them.
-as well as delusions of grandeur; inflated self importance.

Question 10

explain disorganised speech as a negative symptom.

Answer 10

-this is where abnormal thought processes lead to disorganised thoughts, which in turn affect speech.
-on the topic of derailment this is slipping from one topic to another, often in mid sentence.
-basically a ‘word salad’- gibberish.

Question 11

explain grossly disorganised as a negative symptom.

Answer 11

-where you can’t start or complete a task due to a lack of focus or motivation.
-it can lead to poor functioning e.g hygiene, clothing etc.
-in regards to catatonic behaviour there is reduced response to immediate environment, rigid posture or aimless repeated motor activity.

Question 12

explain speech poverty (alogia) as a negative symptom.

Answer 12

-these are slowed/blocked thoughts which lead to lessened speech fluency and productivity.
-most likely to be poorer at speech tasks, e.g ‘name as many…in a minute’
-there is often simplified speech as well.