Week 3.1.1: The Continuum Theory Flashcards
This theory suggests that psychosis exists on a spectrum, rather than being a distinct, separate condition.
It implies that psychotic experiences can range from mild to severe and can be present in varying degrees in the general population.
Continuum Theory of Psychosis
The study of the causes of diseases.
Aetiology
A gene that always causes a disease if it is present. There are no other factors influencing whether the disease appears.
Disorders caused by such genes can be considered dichotomous because the disease is either present or absent based on the gene.
100% Penetrant Gene
A personality trait that involves a predisposition to psychotic-like experiences.
Schizotypy
A condition where an individual shows signs that may indicate a higher risk of developing psychosis.
At-Risk Mental State
A tendency to experience symptoms of psychosis without necessarily developing a full-blown disorder.
Psychosis Proneness
A term introduced by Meehl to describe a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia.
Outcome: Individuals with schizotaxia may develop schizotypy (a personality trait) or schizophrenia, influenced by environmental factors.
Schizotaxia
A concept proposed by Meehl referring to impaired central nervous system (CNS) neuron circuitry caused by genetic factors.
Impact: This impairment leads to schizotaxia, which can result in schizotypy and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Meehl’s Hypokrisia
Meehl’s original model suggesting that psychosis exists on a spectrum but with some categorical elements.
Limitations: Did not fully account for the variability and complexity of psychotic experiences.
Quadi-Dimensional Model
A more recent model that views psychosis entirely as a continuum, integrating various levels of psychotic experiences across both clinical and non-clinical populations.
Advantages: Provides a detailed framework to describe the diversity and variation in psychotic symptoms among individuals.
Fully-Dimensional Model
The observable characteristics or symptoms of psychosis, which can vary widely among individuals.
Phenotypic Expression
Temporary, unusual experiences that occur in the general population but do not necessarily indicate a clinical disorder.
Transitory Anomalous Experiences
Research based on observed and measured phenomena, often involving large-scale surveys and data analysis.
Empirical Studies
A validated tool used to assess the presence, severity, and phenomenology of hallucinations and delusions across various conditions
Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences (QPE)
These are unusual thoughts, perceptions, or beliefs that can occur in the general population without necessarily indicating a mental health disorder.
Characteristics:
Transient: Often temporary and may not persist over time.
Non-Clinical: Can occur in individuals who do not have a diagnosed psychotic disorder.
Examples: Brief, mild hallucinations (like hearing your name called when no one is there) or fleeting delusional thoughts (like feeling someone is watching you without strong conviction).
Psychotic Experiences
These are more severe and persistent manifestations of psychosis that are typically associated with a diagnosable mental health condition.
Characteristics:
Persistent: Last longer and are more consistent over time.
Clinical: Often part of a diagnosed psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
Examples: Persistent hallucinations (hearing voices that aren’t there), delusions (strongly held false beliefs, such as thinking you have special powers), and disorganized thinking (incoherent speech or thought patterns).
Psychotic Symptoms
What are the key differences between psychotic experiences and psychotic symptoms?
Duration:
Psychotic Experiences: Typically transient and temporary. They may come and go without lasting impact.
Psychotic Symptoms: More persistent and long-lasting. They tend to be consistent over time and can significantly affect daily functioning.
Severity:
Psychotic Experiences: Generally mild and non-disruptive. They might not interfere much with daily life.
Psychotic Symptoms: More severe and disruptive. They can cause significant distress and impairment.
Questionnaires or surveys that individuals complete on their own.
Self-Administered instruments
Standardized tools used by clinicians to assess psychotic-like experiences.
Structured Instruments
Tools that provide a framework for assessment but allow some flexibility in how questions are asked.
Semi-Structured Instruments
The idea that psychotic-like experiences exist on a continuum and can be studied across different levels of severity and persistence.
Phenomenological Continuity
What is the importance of early detection and prevention of psychosis?
Identifying psychotic-like experiences early can help in preventing the development of full-blown psychotic disorders.
What are psychosis risk factors and outcomes?
Environmental Risk Factors: Exposure to trauma, cannabis abuse, and urban living can increase the risk of psychotic-like experiences becoming persistent and clinically significant.
Genetic Background: Genetic factors also play a role in the expression of psychotic-like experiences, interacting with environmental exposures to influence outcomes
The actual rate at which individuals with PLEs (psychotic-like experiences) transition to a full-scale psychotic disorder is relatively low, but still significant.
Transition Risk
Who has a higher risk of developing clinical psychosis?
Individuals who report psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have a higher likelihood of developing clinical psychosis compared to those who do not report such experiences.
