Schizophrenia

Question 1

Unique Aspects of Schizophrenia

Answer 1

● For at least 1 month, evidence of at least two of the following
symptoms:
○ Hallucinations
○ Delusions
○ Disorganized speech
○ Significantly disorganized behavior
○ Negative symptoms
● After onset of symptoms, levels of functioning are significantly
below previous level of functioning
● At least 6 months of significant disturbance, including at least 1
month of active symptoms described above
● Symptoms are not better accounted for by another diagnosis
● Symptoms are not due to a medical illness or the use of
substances

Question 2

Schizophrenia:

Answer 2

● Severe disorder that encompasses being out of touch with reality
and having significant deficits in social, occupational, or academic
functioning due to the limited contact with reality.

Question 3

Delusions:

Answer 3

● Believing things that are not true.

Question 4

Hallucinations:

Answer 4

● Hearing voices or seeing things that are not actually occurring.

Question 5

Common comorbid conditions:

Answer 5

● Conduct disorder
● ODD
● Depression
● OCD
● Anxiety disorders
● Intellectual disabilities

In adolescents- substance abuse
Adult-ASD

Question 6

First appearance

Answer 6

in childhood and adolescence
Rarely identified in young children; early subtle signs that indicate diagnosis in adulthood

Question 7

First psychotic break:

Answer 7

● In later childhood or adolescence
● Followed by multiple other psychotic breaks

Question 8

Long-term prognosis:

Answer 8

● Earlier onset → poorer prognosis
● Later onset → better prognosis
● Childhood-onset exhibits continuity into adulthood
● Rarely a full “recovery

Question 9

Genetic factors:

Answer 9

Specific genes (G72/G30)

Question 10

Biological factors

Answer 10

● Higher paternal age
● Disruptions in the brain development
● More complications during pregnancy
● Brain abnormalities

Question 11

Treatments

Answer 11

Multimodal approach:
● Medication
○ Antipsychotics → primary
treatment of choice
● Behavior therapy
● Social skills training
● Special education services
● Family therapy

Question 12

Prevention measures:

Answer 12

● Currently limited
● Increase structure in child’s environment
● Provide other adult role models
● Decrease adverse communication styles

Question 13

Risk factors:

Answer 13

● Children with at least one bio parent
○ Genetic risk
○ Environmental risk
● Children from families with:
○ High levels of communication deviance
○ High levels of expressed emotion
● Attentional problem
○ Related to additional sensory stimulation

Question 14

Protective factors:

Answer 14

● Stable home environment
● Access to stable mentors and role models
● Increase appropriate communication skills
● Warm family environment