Schizophrenia Symptoms and Features Flashcards
Schizophrenia
Symptoms definition
Symptoms of behaviours shown as a result of the disorder
Schizophrenia
features definition
Features are the prevalence and prognosis of the disorder
which is how common is the disorder
or facts about the dissorder
SZ
What is a Positive symptom
A positive symptom is a symptom that is a new behavior the patient did not experience before the condition
( as a result of the condition)
SZ
What is a Negative Symptom
A negative symptom is a behaviour that is taken away or removed due to the condition
SZ
Aganosia
Agnosia is when a patient denies their ill or do not recognise that they are ill
SZ
prodromal period
The prodromal period is when in the beginning of the onset of an illness
when negative symptoms appear
but positive symptoms may not
so they may be misdiagnosed with something else
such as depression
SZ
Delusions +
Delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia
A delusion is when a patient has beliefs that a contrary to fact
SZ
Grandiose Delusions +
Grandiose delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Grandiose delusions colon is when individuals think they have remarkable qualities
for example being famous or special powers
SZ
Persecutory Delusions +
Persecutory delusions of positive symptoms of schizophrenia
Persecutory delusions: is when individuals report thinking others around to get them or harm them in some way
SZ
referential delusions +
Referential delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Referential delusions: is where individual thinks that certain behaviors or language from others is being directed at them personally
EG overhearing somebody insults somebody else and thinking it is about them when clearly it is not
Sz
Religious Delusions +
Religious delusions are a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Religious delusions: is when a person thinks that they are possessed or on a mission from god or other divine beigns
– and believe that they are telling them to do things and such
SZ
Avolation -
Avolation is a Negative symptom of SZ
Avolation: is a psychological state characterized by
a general lack of motivation
to complete usually self-motivated activities such as work
SZ
thought insertion +
Thought insertion is a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Thought Insertion:
When a person believes their thoughts don’t belong to them and have been implanted by an external source
they experience blurring of boundaries between self and others
leading to the belief that their thoughts and feelings can pass between people from one to another
SZ
Hallucinations +
Hallucinations are positive symptoms of schizophrenia
Hallucinations:
They are perceptual experiences that occur in the absence of external stimulation to be corresponding sensory organ
You can have auditory, touch, visual etc hallucinations
SZ
catatonia +
Catatonia is a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Catatonia:
When various motor disturbances characterized by an abnormality of movement and behavior occur it may involve:
– sitting completely still an odd postures
– refusing to speak to others (may be - depends on b4)
– random repetitive movement such as foot tapping
SZ
Deminished Emotional Expression -
Diminished emotional expression is a negative symptom of schizophrenia
Diminished emotional expression:
It is characterized by the patient showing less and less emotion in their general use of non-verbal communications
such as facial expressions, gestures and eye contact
SZ
Grossly disorganised behaviour +
Grossly disorganised behaviour is a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Grossly disorganised behaviour:
It is characterised by fidgeting, childish messing about, or dressing
SZ
Disorganised thinking +
Disorganised thinking is a positive symptom of schizophrenia
Disorganised thinking
– The things they say may not make sense to other people. they may switch topics without any obvious link
Disorganised thinking:
Inferred from a person’s speech which may be characterized by
derailment ( having a series unrelated ideas)
or Tangentiality (going completly off topic)
The person may switch for one topic to another and jumble seemingly related ideas making it difficult to follow their train of Thought
Word salad prefers to random and incoherent stringing together of words
Neologism refers to blending words together to create new ones
Mixing up one’s words can be quite common and therefore is only symptomatic if it leaves dysfunctional communication
SZ
poverty of speech -
Positive speech is a negative symptom of schizophrenia
Positive speeches characterised by little spontaneous speech
mainly just yes and no answers
and pauses
Features and prognosis of SZ
Lifetime prevalence: 0.3-0.7% this variable ethnicity nationality and Geographic origin in immigrants
Age: onset is slightly earlier in males (early-mid 20s) than females (late 20s). females are over represented in late onset cases (post 40)
Gender: both equal chance of Diagnosis
Males have worse prognosis (lots of symptoms)
more - symptoms and psychotic episodes
Race: There is an increased diagnosis of SZ in African Americans
SZ is 2x as prevelannt as Alzhiemer’s
Approximately 20% of patients respond well to treatment with a small number we gaining a good quality of life
however a large number of main chronically ill requiring regular treatment and intervention
many patients also have cognitive functioning deficits in working memory, language and information processing
mood abnormalities may also occur
other negative SZ symptoms:
Lack of motivation
Slow movement
Change in sleep patterns
Poor grooming or hygiene
Difficulty planning or setting goals
Becoming withdrawn
– Not saying much, change in body language, lack of eye contact, less interested in usual hobbies and activities
Reduced range of emotions
Low sex drive
Cognitive experiences
– low attention span, memory problems, unable to absorb information, poor decision making
