Schizophrenia Flashcards
what does schizophrenia typically involve
severely distorted beliefs or perceptions and thoughts
what does schizophrenia diagnosis require
two or more characteristic symptoms - at least one being positive
reduction in functioning
what are positive symptoms
additional processes to normal functioning
delusions
hallucinations
disorganised behaviour
persecutory delusions
being followed or watch usually by agents of authority
grandiose delusions
beliefs about being famous or special person
delusions of reference
others are talking about them
somatic delusions
believing you have a physical defect or abnormality
define hallucinations
Sensory experience that others do not perceive e.g. hearing voices or sounds
what does disorganised speech refer to
lack of associations between ideas and events
what may disorganised behaviour involve
unusual behaviour such as child like silliness or inappropriate sexual behaviour
what is catatonic stupor
absence of motor behaviours, often rigid
what are negative symptoms
Deficits in behavioural or emotional functioning
what is catatonic excitement
agitated, fidgety or rapid movements
what is flat effect
lack of emotional expression, monotone
what is alogia
reduced speech
what is avolition
lack of motivation
what is the typical prevalence of sz across cultures
1% of population
when does onset usually occur
young adulthood 20+
how might social factors play a role
higher prevalence in those who live alone, high in black ethnic groups
evidence for genetic risk for sz
50% risk for identical twins when one has schizophrenia
why may genes play a factor in risk to sz
chromosomes associated with genes that aid brain development
what risk does paternal age pose
often caused by mutation of sperm, sperm more likely to mutate as age increases
what biological factors have been show to associate with sz
50% show abnormal brain structure
enlarged ventricles
loss of grey matter and volume
what is the default network and its relation to sz
part of the brain active during wakeful rest
schizophrenics tend to be unable to switch to executive function from this
what neurotransmitter is associated with psychotic symptoms
dopamine neuron activity
what is dopamine responsible for
reward and punishment and motor movements
where is dopamine produced
brainstem - but projections affect cortex activation
what does the dopamine hypothesis suggest causes positive symptoms
overactivity in the midbrain regions
what does the dopamine hypothesis suggest causes negative symptoms
underactivity of dopamine in cortical regions
what is chlorpromazine
Reduces dopamine activity in the brain - reduces aggression, hallucinations and delusions (positive symptoms)
which antipsychotic is known as typical
Chlorpromazine
what do atypical drugs do
More effective in treating negative symptoms
Targets dopamine imbalance rather than overactivity
side effects associated with both antipsychotics
weight gain and cardiac problems
side effects associated with typical drugs
involuntary movement disorders
issue using antipsychotics
do not cure
often leads to patterns of hospitalisation
why do schizophrenics often use nicotine
mimics acetylcholine
improves negative symptoms
evidence for environmental origins
Direct brain damage or injury during early development
Prenatal complications - stress, starvation, winter birth effect
what is the aim of family interventions
Modify inaccurate beliefs about schizophrenia
Enhance positive communication
Involve everyone in relapse prevention plan
how is CBT used
Importance of individuals interpretation of psychotic events
Normalise and reduce impact of symptoms
how may early intervention be implemented
Seek out high risk individuals Develop cognitive skills to increase executive control
what does the biopsychosocial model suggest
genetics, personality and environment all have an impact on mental health
one factor alone does not provide sufficient explanations
applying the biopsychosocial model to sz
Recognising relationships are central to treatment
Provide multidimensional treatment
Ensure patient’s history and life circumstances are understood
