Schizophrenia Flashcards
Double bind theory
Children who frequently receive contradictory messages from their parents are more likely to develop schizophrenia. These interactions prevent the development of a construction of reality and manifests itself into schizophrenic symptoms
high EE households
Expressed emotion - a family communication style in which members of the family of a SZ patient talk about the patient in a critical manner or in a way that indicated emotional over-involvement
Dysfunctional thought processing
It is when Information processing does not function normally and produces consequences This is evident in those who display positive symptoms.
Cognitive explanations of hallucinations
Hallucinating individuals focus excessive attention of auditory stimuli and so have a higher chance to experience voices.
Typical antipsychotics
Reduces dopamine by blocking the D2 receptors that the NT binds to, reducing positive symptoms
Atypical antipsychotics
Reduce positive and negative symptoms as they temporarily block the D2 receptors to allow a normal dopamine transmission
CBT
Combination of cognitive, changing thoughts, and behavioural therapy, changing behaviour in response to these thoughts. It helps patients identify links between their thoughts and their symptoms to correct faulty interpretations to avoid delusions. NICE - at least 16 sessions to treat SZ.
Family therapy
Aims to improve the communication and reduces stress within the family. Interventions aim to reduce levels of EE by providing the family with information about SZ to support the SZ individual. This improves the relationships within the household as the therapist encourages the family to listen to each other and discuss problems to negotiate solutions
Token economy
Desirable behaviours are encouraged by the use of selective reinforcers. Tokens are rewarded whenever the patient performs a desired behaviour which can be exchanged for rewards e.g. making their bed, brushing their teeth
Interactionist approach
Acknowledges both biological and environmental factors. The diathesis stress model sees SZ as a result of an interaction between these two influences. Family studies suggest people have varying levels of genetic vulnerability to SZ however whether they develop SZ is due to their environment and how stressful it is. Stressful life events act as a trigger for SZ (past trauma). Used in both treatments, combines antipsychotic drugs and psychological therapies.
Strength of psychological explanations - double bind
Support for double bind - Berger found that schizophrenics reported a higher recall of double bind statements by their mothers than non-schizophrenics
Limitation of psychological explanations - EE
Not all patients in high EE households relapse, there are individual differences in stress response to high EE situations. Altorfer found 1/4 of patients studies showed no responses to stressful comments from relatives, suggesting high EE may not be a case for relapse
Limitation of drug therapy
Antipsychotics can cause extrapyramidal side effects. Found that 50% of patients who took antipsychotics experience tardive dyskinesia after prolonged use.
Strength of antipsychotics
They are effective in treating symptoms. Relapse rates have been compared between those on antipsychotics and placebos. More patients relapsed when given the placebo than the patients who remained on antipsychotics, therefore effective
Support for CBT
It is effective, NICE review this as a treatment for SZ and found consistent evidence that CBT was effective in reducing re-hospitalisation rates up to 18 month after the end of treatment.
