Readings Condensed Flashcards
What are the key symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders?
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized/abnormal motor behaviors, and negative symptoms such as anhedonia and avolition.
What are some risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders?
Genetic predisposition (e.g., high concordance rates in monozygotic twins), environmental influences such as trauma, obstetric complications, and substance use like cannabis.
What is the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders?
Symptoms must persist for at least six months with significant functional decline. Diagnosis often requires ruling out other medical or substance-induced causes.
What is the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia?
Dysregulated dopamine activity is linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
What is the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia?
Dysfunctional glutamate receptors are implicated in schizophrenia symptoms.
What are the pharmacological treatment options for schizophrenia?
First and second-generation antipsychotics with a focus on managing side effects.
What are some psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, social skills training, and supported employment programs.
How can stigma around schizophrenia be reduced?
Educating patients, families, and the public about the nature of the disorder.
What was the significance of chlorpromazine in schizophrenia treatment?
Its development marked a significant shift in schizophrenia treatment, highlighting the role of dopamine.
What are some challenges in the care of schizophrenia?
Medication adherence, managing side effects, addressing comorbid physical and substance use disorders, and ensuring cultural sensitivity and patient-centered approaches.
What is delusional disorder?
A disorder characterized by one or more delusions lasting at least one month without other major psychotic symptoms.
What is brief psychotic disorder?
A disorder where symptoms last between one day to one month, with full recovery.
What is schizoaffective disorder?
A disorder involving a combination of psychotic symptoms and mood episodes such as depression or mania.
What is catatonia?
A syndrome characterized by symptoms such as stupor, mutism, rigidity, catalepsy, waxy flexibility, and repetitive movements.
What are cultural considerations in diagnosing schizophrenia?
Expressions of delusions and hallucinations vary by culture; diagnostic considerations should account for cultural norms and beliefs.
What is the prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide?
Approximately 1% of the global population is affected by schizophrenia.
What are some predictors of poor outcomes in schizophrenia?
Negative symptoms, early onset, and lack of treatment adherence.
What are the key findings of the Vermont deinstitutionalization model?
It demonstrated the potential for recovery with individualized, multidisciplinary interventions.
What is the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in schizophrenia treatment?
CBT addresses distorted thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations to help patients manage their symptoms.
What is the role of family therapy in schizophrenia treatment?
It focuses on improving communication and reducing expressed emotion within families.
What are the five domains of schizophrenia symptoms?
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms.
What are persecutory delusions?
The belief of being harmed or targeted by others.
What are grandiose delusions?
An exaggerated sense of one’s importance or abilities.
What are somatic delusions?
A preoccupation with health or body functions.