Psychotic Disorders

Question 1

Discuss the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia.

Answer 1

Characteristic symptoms, generally 2 required for at least one month:
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized speech
Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
Negative symptoms such as affective flattening
Social/occupational dysfunction in work, interpersonal relationships, or self care

Duration of symptoms, in full or attenuated form, for at least 6 months
Mood disorder has not played a prominent role in the illness
Illness is not due to a medication or other medical condition or substance abuse
Illness is not part of autism or other pervasive developmental disorder.

Question 2

What is the prevalence of schizophrenia?

Answer 2

1% of people worldwide

Question 3

What is the usual age of onset of schizophrenia?

Answer 3

18-25yo

Question 4

Discuss the proposed genetic causes of schizophrenia.

Answer 4

polygenic disorder; occurs in 10% of people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder; high monozygotic twin concordinance

Question 5

Discuss the proposed environmental causes of schizophrenia.

Answer 5

viruses, malnutrition before birth, birth complications

Question 6

Discuss the proposed role of the major neurotransmitters in schizophrenia.

Answer 6

DA (hyperactivity of DA neurons in the Mesolimbic System with hypoactivity of DA neurons in the Mesocortical system)
glutamate (hypoactivity; Prolonged exposure to NMDA receptor antagonists; produces regional hyperactivity and hypoactivity in dopamine neuron release)
NE
5-HT
NMDA
ACh

Question 7

Discuss the proposed role of the neuronal circuits in schizophrenia.

Answer 7

association cortex, medial temporal lobe, hippocampus, thalamus and basal ganglia all abnormal
thalamus –> association cortex