Schizophrenia and Psychosis Flashcards
What is schizophrenia?
Complex and debilitating neurological disorder. involving sensory and cognitive disturbances
Who can schizophrenia affect?
Can affect all cultures, genders, socio-economic groups.
When is the typical onset of schizophrenia in males?
late teens to early 20’s
What is the typical onset of schizophrenia in women?
late 20’s to early 30’s
What is the prognosis for someone with schizophrenia?
Not preventable, no cure, this is for life. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.
What are some etiologies of schizophrenia?
Biochemistry (++ dopamine) Cerebral Blood Flow Molecular Biology Genetic Predisposition Stress Drug-induced Nutritional Theories
What are some positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations Delusions Bizarre behaviours Disorganized thoughts Disorganized speech Agitation Catatonic behaviours
What are some negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Apathy Lack of motivation/spontaneity Blunted affect Lack of emotional warmth Impaired social skills Impaired abstract thinking ability Impaired concentration
What are some cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Impaired memory Inattention Inability to follow instructions Impaired executive functioning Poverty of thought Avolition
What are some depressive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Anxiety Irritability Dysphoria Suicidality Drug dependence Medical conditions
What occurs during the prodromal stage of schizophrenia?
Before the illness is diagnosed, they are in the prodromal stage. You start to see some alarming behaviours, (maybe some apathy or difficulties in interpersonal relationships, disruptive behavior, shifts in the sleep-wake cycle, becoming isolated, having trouble with social relationships)
What are some symptoms of schizophrenia?
Negative self-perception Hallucinations Delusions Circumstantiality Tangentiality Autistic thinking Perseveration Poverty of thought Loose association
What is schizoaffective disorder?
Thought AND mood disorder
Severe mood swings and psychotic symptoms
What is delusional disorder?
Fixed delusions that are bizarre and not plausible.
What happened during phase 1 of schizophrenia? And how long does it last?
This is generally when people are first given the diagnosis. Their first contact with health care professionals, whether it’s their family doc, they get involved with some criminal activity, end up in hospital, etc. This is where you really want to get treatment. People who get really good support and guidance during this phase of the illness have a better prognosis. You want to try to prevent people from getting to the state where they’re in active psychosis (experiencing a lot of passive symtpoms). It generally lasts 3-5 years
What occurs during phase 2 of schizophrenia?
Acute phase of illness. Lots of positive symptoms. We see a lot of these people in the hospital.
What happens during phase 3 of schizophrenia?
This is when you are in recovery/remission. It is very difficult to move back out of phase 2, so this is where you want to stay. Once you are in an acute psychotic episode, it is hard to regain your normal functioning fully.
What is psychosis?
Symptom of mental illness
Involves abnormalities of thoughts and behaviours
Loss of contact with reality
What are some disorders that can have the symptom of psychosis?
Can be present in: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Anxiety (PTSD), Delusional Disorder, Substance Induced, Dementia and Psychosis NOS
What is the epidemiology of psychosis?
Can occur in all cultures and socioeconomic groups
Affects males and females equally
3% of the population will have at least one episode of psychosis
Generally develops in late teens-mid 20
Significant impact on the health care system
What are some risk factors for psychosis?
Genetic predisposition
Pregnancy with birth complications
Developmental delay
Stressful life events
Abuse/Trauma
Drug use
Immigration
Urbanicity
What are some interventions/ways to promote recovery?
Strong social support systems Stable living situations Safe and structured environment Sense of purpose or direction Supportive case worker Education about illness Insight
What are some treatments for psychosis and schizophrenia?
Early intervention Medication Relapse prevention Education Stress management Lifestyle choices Social skills Life skills Family support, therapy and education
What are some characteristics of typical antipsychotics?
Typical antipsychotics eg haloperidol
Decrease dopamine
Decrease positive symtoms
Quick onset
PRNs
++ side effects (extrapyramidal effects, etc) can give an antiparkinson med as PRN to counter side effects (usually benztropine)
After long term use, can develop tardive dyskinesia. This is irreversible.
