Summary Flashcards
Describe two positive symptoms of SZ
Delusions - bizarre beliefs that seem real to the schizophrenic
Hallucinations - unreal perceptions of the environment that are auditory, visual, olfactory or tactile.
Describe two negative symptoms of SZ
Speech poverty - lessening of speech fluency and productivity.
Avolition - the reduction of interests and desires, as well as an inability to initiate and persist in goal-directed behaviour.
Define reliability
Refers to the consistency of a measure, as in the same data should be produced by a measurement if it is taken on successive occasions.
Define validity
This refers to the accuracy of a measurement - whether or not an observed effect is genuine.
Outline the dopamine hypothesis as an explanation for SZ
When the neurotransmitter dopamine is in excess in regions of the brain, positive symptoms of SZ can be observed.
Define the double bind theory
Refers to receiving contradictory information from a family member, such as being told they love them whilst sneering at them.
Explain how a high expressed emotions (EE) environment leads to SZ
Suggests that receiving contradictory information renders an individual unable to respond to future information, causing cognitive symptoms of SZ.
How does the cognitive approach explain hallucinations?
Hallucinating individuals experience hyper-vigilance due to an excessive focus on auditory stimuli, such individuals find it hard to distinguish between imagery and sensory based perception. This is not corrected as Schizophrenics do not really test as non-schizophrenics do.
How does the cognitive approach explain delusions?
This explanation suggests that during the formation of delusions, patients have their interpretations of their experiences controlled by inadequate processing of information.
Why are atypical antipsychotics preferred to typical antipsychotics?
Atypical antipsychotics carry a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects and are believed to unlike typical antipsychotics, have an impact of reducing negative symptoms as well as positive ones. These are also suitable for treatment resistant patients,
Why do atypical antipsychotics run the risk of fewer side effects?
Atypical antipsychotics do not only block D2 receptors, but have a stronger affinity for serotonin receptors, and a lower affinity for D2 receptor, which is believed to reduce the risk of side effects.
Why are drug therapies preferred to other therapies?
They are effective
They are cheap
They require less effort on the part of the patients, increasing the chances of them persisting in them treatment,
What is meant by ‘Token Economy’?
Form of therapy in which desirable behaviours are encouraged by the use of reinforcements. Rewards are given in exchange for tokens earned when desirable behaviours are performed.
Why is Token Economy unethical?
For it to work, psychiatrists have to be in control over food and things that act as primary reinforcers.
In order for patients to have access to these things, they have
to exchange tokens given to them by the psychiatrists.
This contradicts the notion that all humans have the right to things like privacy and food without having to earn them.
Outline the Interactionist approach to SZ
A compromise explanation that suggests SZ develops in individuals who have genetic vulnerability (diathesis), following an activating event (stress).
