Week 5: The shattered mind Flashcards
What are two examples of positive symptoms in sz?
Delusions
Hallucinations
What are two examples of negative symptoms in sz?
avolition (inability to care for self)
alogia (poverty of speech)
anhedonia (reduced ability to experience pleasure)
blunted affect
asociality
What are two examples of disorganised symptoms in sz?
Disorganised behaviour
disorganised speech
What are two examples of cognitive symptoms in sz?
attention and concentration diminished
diminished memory
diminished speed of processing
diminished social cognition
What is the most common form of delusions in western cultures?
persecutory delusions - believing they are about to be harmed by others in some way
How long does the DSM-5 require symptoms be present for a sz diagnosis?
at least 6 months
How long does the DSM-5 require symptoms to be present for schizophreniform disorder?
One to six months
How long does the DSM-5 require symptoms to be present for brief psychotic disorder?
One day to one month
What is schizoaffective disorder?
comprised of symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders
What is the heritability for sz in MZ twins?
81%
Compare old and new dopamine theories in sz
old - global hyperactivity of dopaminergic projections leads to symptoms
new - hyperactive nigrostriatal dopaminergic projections lead to positive symptoms but hypoactive mesocortical projection leads to cognitive and negative symptoms
Aside from dopamine, what other neurotransmitters are involved in sz?
dopamine
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Serotonin
Glutamate
What brain region is consistently found to be enlarged in sz/
Enlargement of the ventricles
What regions are found to be shrunken in the sz?
grey matter
prefrontal cortex volume
What environmental factors on the developing brain can lead to sz?
damage during gestation or birth
starvation
maternal infections during pregnancy
What social factors impact sz?
socioeconomic status
family relationships
What is a key factor that may contribute to relapse
Family
Compare 1st and 2nd gen antipsychotics
2nd gen - less resistance, better symptom control, less adverse side effects
1st gen - reduces positive and disorganised symptoms but little to no effect on negative and cognitive symptoms
What are some psychological treatments used in combination with medication?
social skills training
cognitive-behavioural therapy
psychoeducation
