Schizophrenia

Question 1

give the three characteristic features of schizophrenia

Answer 1

auditory hallucinations
bizarre delusions
thought disorder

Question 2

give some risk factors for schizophrenia (in order of risk)

Answer 2

family hx
immigrant status
childhood adversity/social difficulties
obstetric complications
chronic cannabis use

Question 3

give the four Schneiders first rank symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 3

auditory hallucinations
delusional perception
delusions of thought interference
passivity phenomena or delusions of control

Question 4

give the two options for emergency treatment of behaviour disturbance

Answer 4

commence a SGA (eg. olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine)
+ long acting benzodiazepine

option 2: prescribe a low potency first generation antipsychotic such as chlorpromazine for a first episode

Question 5

describe some agents you could use in a maintenance regime for schizophrenia

Answer 5

SGA
non-sedating FGA
depot antipsychotic