Schizophrenia

Question 1

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 1

A serious mental condition that affects the perception of reality

Question 2

What is the aetiology of schizophrenia?

Answer 2

Unknown but thought to be a combination of biopsychosocial factors

Question 3

What is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Answer 3

A symptom that adds to the normal experience of reality

Question 4

What is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Answer 4

A symptom that detracts from the normal experience

Question 5

What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 5

Hallucinations
Delusions
Thought disorder
Disorganised behaviour

Question 6

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 6

Blunted emotions
Cognitive defects
Apathy/Avolition

Question 7

What are the stages of schizophrenia?

Answer 7

1. Prodrome phase (early, can last for years)
2. Active phase (psychosis)
3. Residual phase (Negative symptoms)

Question 8

What are the treatment options for schizophrenia?

Answer 8

Medications:

Antipsychotics
(reduce positive symptoms)

Anticholinergics:
Block acetylcholine neurotransmitter

CBT and music therapy