Schizophrenia Flashcards
What is the core difference between schizophrenia and delusional disorder?
Schizophrenia involves both psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) and functional impairment, while delusional disorder primarily involves delusions without hallucinations or significant functional impairment.
Define psychosis and explain why it is considered a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Psychosis is the misperception of thoughts and perceptions originating from one’s mind as external reality. It’s a symptom because it manifests in various disorders, not a diagnosis in itself.
Describe the two main presentations of schizophrenia and how they differ.
Acute schizophrenia involves the gain of symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, while chronic schizophrenia is characterized by the loss of function and negative symptoms like flat affect and avolition.
List three of Schneider’s first-rank symptoms and explain their significance in diagnosing schizophrenia.
Three first-rank symptoms are: auditory hallucinations of a commentary nature, thought insertion/withdrawal, and somatic hallucinations. These are highly suggestive, though not exclusive, to schizophrenia.
What are negative symptoms in schizophrenia, and why are they associated with a poorer prognosis?
Negative symptoms are a diminution of normal function, such as flattened mood, apathy (avolition), social withdrawal, poverty of speech, and poor self-care. They are associated with a poorer prognosis as they are often more resistant to treatment and impact long-term functioning.
Briefly explain the three phases of schizophrenia.
The three phases are prodromal (early signs like social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating), active (acute psychotic symptoms), and residual (symptoms settle but may experience listlessness and withdrawal).
How does the ICD-11 define schizophrenia?
The ICD-11 defines schizophrenia as a disorder characterized by significant impairments in reality testing, with alterations in behavior manifested as positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking/speech, grossly disorganized behaviour), negative symptoms (flat affect, avolition), and psychomotor disturbances.
What is the significance of expressed emotion in the family environment for individuals with schizophrenia?
High expressed emotion (critical comments, hostility, over-involvement) from family members increases the risk of relapse in individuals with schizophrenia, especially with prolonged contact.
Name three aetiological factors linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia.
Genetic predisposition, neurodevelopmental factors (e.g., winter birth, obstetric complications), and social factors (e.g., socioeconomic deprivation, urban living) are linked to increased risk.
What recent discovery has changed the understanding and treatment approach for some cases of first-episode psychosis?
The discovery of autoantibodies associated with some cases of first-episode psychosis has led to a new understanding of these cases as autoimmune disorders, opening up new treatment possibilities like immunotherapy.
