Schizophrenia

Question 1

What are the factors associated with a poor prognosis in the case of a schizophrenia diagnosis?

Answer 1

Strong family history (of schizophrenia specifically)
Gradual onset
Low IQ
Prodromal phase of social withdrawal
Lack of obvious precipitant

Question 2

What are the 3 areas of symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 2

Positive
Negative
Cognitive

Question 3

What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 3

Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganised speech
Disorganised behaviour
Catatonic behaviour

Question 4

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 4

Removal of normal processes
Decreased emotional response
Loss of interest 
Flat affect (inappropriate low response)
Alogia (lack of content in speech)
Avolition (low motivation to go out/do anything)

Question 5

What are the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 5

3 areas of cognition affect
- Memory
- Learning
- Understanding
May present as being unable to remember a number and an address simultaneously

Question 6

What are the 3 phases of schizophrenia and what do each of them feature?

Answer 6

Prodromal - become withdrawn
Active - severe symptoms (positive sx)
Residual - cognitive symptoms, may become withdrawn again and cycle happens again

Question 7

What is needed to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Answer 7

2 of the following

• delusions
• hallucinations
• disorganised speech
• disorganised/catatonic behaviour
• negative symptoms

Must have at least 1 of the first 3

Symptoms must be ongoing for at least 6 months with at least 1 month of active phase symptoms

Symptoms can’t be due to another cause like substance abuse

Question 8

How is schizophrenia treated?

Answer 8

MDT management

Antipsychotic drugs