schizophrenia and psychosis Flashcards
What is psychosis
An acute mental health state characterized by delusional beliefs and hallucinations
What are common causes of psychosis?
Schizophrenia, other mental health disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, neurological disorders.
: What drugs are commonly associated with psychosis?
Amphetamines (especially methamphetamine), marijuana, hallucinogens (e.g., LSD)
What is a delusion?
A fixed, strange or irrational belief firmly held despite evidence to the contrary and out of context for the individual’s cultural background.
Name types of delusions.
Delusions of grandeur: Exaggerated importance (e.g., believing to be an important historical figure).
Paranoia: Belief in a plot against them.
Somatic: Belief in having a terrible incurable illness.
What is a hallucination?
A sensory perception without an obvious real-world stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there.
When do hallucinations occur besides psychosis?
In other disorders, particularly delirium
What is the typical age range for the onset of psychosis?
16-30
What should be included in the history and assessment of a psychotic patient?
Drug and alcohol history,
onset and duration of symptoms, recent life events or stressors personal and family history of mental illness
assessment of delusions and hallucinations.
What questions are useful in assessing delusions?
Do you think people are talking about you or taking special notice of you?”
“Is anyone trying to harm you?”
“Do you have any special powers?”
“Do you feel someone is controlling you?”
“Have you had thoughts put into your head that are not your own?”
What other risks should be assessed in a patient with psychosis?
Suicide risk and possibly homicide risk.
What initial investigations are performed for psychosis?
FTs, FBC, serology (syphilis, HIV), drug screening, EEG, fasting glucose, CT/MRI, full neuro exam.
What do deranged LFTs and macrocytosis suggest?
Alcohol abuse.
Which drugs can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia?
cannabis, steroids, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, mescaline, phencyclidine.
What does an EEG help rule out?
Epilepsy
What is the purpose of drug screening in psychosis?
To rule out amphetamines and cannabis as causes.
Q: What is the typical management approach for acute psychosis?
A: Admission to a mental health facility, often compulsory, with prompt recognition and treatment for better long-term outcomes.
Why perform a CT/MRI in psychosis?
o look for atrophy of the lateral ventricles and space-occupying lesions (rare causes of schizophrenia).
How is delusional disorder different from schizophrenia?
Delusional disorder involves only delusions and/or hallucinations without other schizophrenia-like symptoms. Common delusions include dysmorphophobia, morbid jealousy, and erotomania.