Schizophrenia Flashcards
define psychosis?
an inability to distinguish between symptoms of delusion, hallucination and disordered thinking from reality
describe 2 historical trends of psychotic symptoms?
demonic possession (good vs. evil), scrutiny via TV/ radio
how does psychosis usually present?
hallucinations
describe the hallucinations involved in psychosis?
they have the full force and clarity of true perception with no external stimulus
name 5 special senses which hallucinations can affect in psychosis?
auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, gustatory
define a delusion?
an unshakeable idea or belief which is out of keeping with the person’s social and cultural background; it is held with extraordinary conviction
name 4 examples of delusions?
grandiose, paranoid, hypochondriacal, self referential
name 3 disorders which are characterised by psychosis?
schizophrenia, delirium, severe affective disorder (depression/BAD)
what is the most common cause of psychosis?
schizophrenia
describe 3 +ve symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations, Delusions, Disordered thinking
describe 3 -ve symptoms of schizophrenia?
Apathy, Lack of interest, Lack of emotions
how is schizophrenia diagnosed using ICD-10?
At least one of the following for more than a month in the absence of organic or affective disorder:
alienation of thought, delusions of control (influence/ passivity), hallucinatory voices, persistent delusions
OR @ LEAST 2 of the following:
persistent hallucinations, breaks/ interpolations in the train of thought, catatonic behaviour, -ve symptoms
describe familial risks of developing schizophrenia if -
parent/ MZ twin/ both parents are affected?
one parent = 10%, MZ twins = 50%, both parents = 40%
name 3 conditions which increase risk of schizophrenia?
neuregulin (chromosome 8p), dysbindin (chromosome 6p), Di George syndrome
name 3 biological factors implicated in schizophrenia?
obstetric complications, maternal influenza, winter birth
name 3 social and psychological factors implicated in schizophrenia?
migration, life events, social isolation
name 4 differentials for schizophrenia?
delirium, depression, anti-social personality disorder, thyroid disease
name 3 good prognostic factors in schizophrenia?
Acute onset, Mood disturbance, absence of family history
name 3 poor prognostic factors in schizophrenia?
slow, insidious onset, started in childhood, suicide risk
describe initial treatment in 1st episode psychosis?
antipsychotics - for at least 2 weeks
describe treatment for acute exacerbation/ recurrence of psychosis/ preventing relapse?
amisulphuride, olanzapine or risperidone
describe treatment for those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia?
clozapine
