Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Question 1

define psychosis

Answer 1

An inability to distinguish between symptoms of hallucination, delusion and disordered thinking from reality

Question 2

What are hallucinations?

Answer 2

They have the full force of clarity of true perception, the are located in external space, no external stimuli, not willed or controlled

Question 3

What senses can hallucinations affect?

Answer 3

auditory system
visual system
tactile system
olfactory system 
gustatory system

Question 4

What are delusional beliefs ?

Answer 4

a delusion in an unshakeable idea or belief which is out of keeping with the person’s social and cultural background. It is held with extraordinary conviction

Question 5

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 5

A severe mental illness affecting thinking, emotion, behaviour

Question 6

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 6

Hallucinations
Delusions
Disordered Thinking

Question 7

What are negative symptoms ?

Answer 7

Apathy
Lack of Interest
Lack of Emotions

Question 8

What is the criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia?

Answer 8

For >1 month in absence of organic or affective disorder:

• alienation of thought as thought echo, insertion, withdrawal or broadcasting
• delusions of control, influence or passivity, clearly referred to body or limb movements or actions
• hallucinatory voices giving running commentary on patient behaviour, voices coming from a part of the body
• persistent delusions of other kinds that are culturally inappropriate and completely impossible

Question 9

When is prognosis good in schizophrenia?

Answer 9

When intervention is early in its development

Question 10

What are some good prognostic factors in schizophrenia?

Answer 10

Absence of FH
Good premorbid function - stable personality and relationships
Clear precipitant
Acute onset
Mood disturbance
Prompt treatment
Maintenance of initiative, motivation

Question 11

What are poor prognostic factors?

Answer 11

Slow and insidious onset

Disease begins in childhood