Psychosis and schizophrenia Flashcards
what is psychosis and define delusions?
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. It can result in hallucinations, delusions and behaviour, making it challenging for the person to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
People get psychotic (disconnected from reality) and psychopath (no remorse) mixed up
Delusion is irrational false belief about reality that is not in bound with their cultural norm (believing family member is trying to poison them is an example)
what is bipolar disorder and what are some examples of delusions?
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Persecutory is the irrational false belief that someone is mistreating, spying on them to harm them
Morbid jealousy- believing partner is cheating, manifesting stalking behaviours
What are primary and secondary delusions?
Primary delusions are spontaneous and not triggered by an external event or previous thought; they just appear out of nowhere and are often bizarre or highly improbable.
Secondary delusions, on the other hand, develop from a previous thought or mental state and are usually related to a person’s existing ideas or feelings, which might be influenced by their mood, a sensory experience, or a mental illness
what is an over-valued idea?
An overvalued idea is a belief that a person is very convinced of and thinks about a lot, even if there’s proof that it’s not true. It’s not a completely false belief like a delusion, but it’s stronger than just a regular opinion. Its on the verge/border of delusions
what are hallucinations and which psychiatric disorder is it frequently presented in and which is the most common one?
false perception of the external stimulus
In schizophrenia and in psychosis, auditory hallucinations are common but affects all modalities.
Hearing things is their own thought however they misinterpret it as not their own and somebody else’s
Explain the categorical vs dimensional approach for psychosis?
Categorical approach is that you either have psychosis or you don’t nothing in between. But dimensional approach acknowledges different levels/ spectrum of when someone can get psychotic. sees symptoms as existing on a wide spectrum rather than in distinct categories, Instead of labeling someone as simply having psychosis or not, this approach looks at how severe different symptoms are, like hallucinations or delusions, and how these symptoms can vary in intensity across different people and over time
what is differential diagnosis and why is it important?
A differential diagnosis of psychosis means figuring out what is causing a person’s psychotic symptoms because several different conditions can lead to similar symptoms. Doctors will look at various possibilities, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or even certain medical conditions or substance use, and use tests, medical history, and symptom patterns to determine what’s behind the psychosis
cognitive and behavioural examination as well as blood test.
what is schizophrenia and how is it/is it different to psychosis ?
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition where a person may have a hard time telling what is real and what is not, often experiencing hallucinations (like hearing voices- can manifest any modalities, so it can be visual hallucinations r olfactory, auditory, tactile, gustatory) or delusions (strong beliefs in things that aren’t true). It can also make it tough for them to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions.
schizophrenia is a disorder which has symptoms such as psychosis.
so psychosis is not an actual condition in itself.
impairs one’s ability to function in daily life due to the extreme irrational ideas and thoughts that they build up. It can cause them to become antisocial and distance from loved ones which can worsen their state and prohibits them from getting treatment
Pathology of schizophrenia?
-large ventricles
-termporal lobe abnormality
-left temporal abnormalities- hyperconnectivity can lead to auditory hallucinations but not fully understood.
-loss of grey matter - problem with thinking and making decisions
what are some of the psychological factors associated with schizophrenia?
Family systems theory:
Providing family members education on this mental health disorder can help reduce likelihood of relapse as their response to their symptoms either being overprotective or under protective may trigger relapse. This applies to all chronic illnesses (stress can trigger relapse for majority). Helps in terms of seeking help and support.
Repeated childhood trauma is a good predictor for psychosis later
Families with lots of high stress emotions is a risk, but that’s all the evidence or family. Education on being less shouty, outburst/overwhelming behaviours can help outcomes of individual
cognitive psychology: Misinterpreting their own internal thoughts/ dialogue as being from someone outside
diathesis stress model
What investigations should be done to rule out any other conditions that may be causing this?
Test for any abnormalities?
CT and blood test
Do they have high or low life expectancy?
Have lower life expectancy- possibly putting themselves in risk due to hallucinations, getting into accidence, suicidal.
Not getting treated-not treating healthcare professionals/services
