Week 3.2.3: Predicting the Transition to Psychosis

Question 1

Refers to individuals who show early signs or symptoms that may indicate a higher likelihood of developing psychosis in the future.

Answer 1

Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

Question 2

Instruments or tests used to measure psychological variables such as personality traits, mental health conditions, or cognitive abilities.

Answer 2

Psychometric Tools

Question 3

A specific psychometric tool used to identify individuals at high risk of developing psychosis.

Answer 3

CAARMS (Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States)

Question 4

The consistency of a psychometric instrument in measuring what it is supposed to measure. If different raters use the instrument and get similar results, it is considered reliable.

Example: If multiple clinicians use CAARMS to assess the same individual and all conclude that the person is at high risk for psychosis, CAARMS is reliable.

Answer 4

Reliability

Question 5

The accuracy of a psychometric instrument in identifying the true positives, i.e., those who will actually develop psychosis.

Example: If CAARMS correctly identifies individuals who later develop psychosis, it is considered valid.

Answer 5

Validity

Question 6

A statistical measure of inter-rater agreement for qualitative (categorical) items. It accounts for the agreement occurring by chance.

Example: If two clinicians independently assess the same patient using CAARMS and their diagnoses agree 80% of the time, Cohen’s kappa would be 0.8.

Answer 6

Cohen’s Kappa

Question 7

Criteria used by the CAARMS tool to identify individuals at high risk of developing psychosis. These criteria include various symptoms and risk factors.

Answer 7

CAARMS Intake Criteria

Question 8

A statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies to identify overall trends and outcomes.

Answer 8

Meta-Analysis

Question 9

Mental health conditions like major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder that include episodes of psychosis

Answer 9

Mood Disorders with Psychosis

Question 10

A range of disorders that include schizophrenia and other related conditions.

These disorders affect a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and interact with others

Answer 10

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Question 11

A mental health condition where an individual loses touch with reality, experiencing symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Answer 11

Psychosis

Question 12

Short-lived psychotic episodes lasting less than seven days and resolving without antipsychotic medication.

High risk of developing psychosis, up to 40-50% within two years

Answer 12

Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic Symptoms (BLIPS)

Question 13

Symptoms that are psychotic in nature but less severe and more transient

Intermediate risk of developing psychosis, about 20% within two years

Answer 13

Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms (APS)

Question 14

Genetic vulnerability combined with a history of functional deterioration

Answer 14

Genetic Risk and Deterioration Syndrome (GRD)

Question 15

What are the CAARMS subgroups?

Answer 15

• Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic Symptoms (BLIPS)
• Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms (APS)
• Genetic Risk and Deterioration Syndrome (GRD)

Question 16

The initial occurrence of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Treatment: Typically involves antipsychotic medications and psychosocial interventions

Answer 16

First Episode Schizophrenia

Question 17

Significant reduction or disappearance of schizophrenia symptoms

Answer 17

Symptomatic Remission

Question 18

Improvement in daily functioning, such as social interactions and occupational performance

Answer 18

Functional Remission