Schizophrenia Flashcards
Family history is one of the largest risk factors for schizophrenia. What is the risk of development if a parent, sibling or monozygotic twin has schizophrenia?
monozygotic twin = 50%
parent = 10-15%
sibling = 10%
Other risk factors for psychotic disorders (not including FHx)
Black Caribbean ethnicity
Migration
Urban environment
Cannabis use
Describe the categories of First Rank Symptoms in Schizophrenia
- auditory hallucinations
- thought disorders
- passivity phenomena
- delusional perceptions
Describe the types of auditory hallucinations experienced in schizophrenia
- two or more voices discussing the patient in the third person
- thought echo
- voices commenting on the patient’s behaviour
Thought disorders in schizophrenia
thought insertion
thought withdrawal
thought broadcasting
What is passivity phenomena?
bodily sensations being controlled by external influence
Describe the delusional perceptions in schizophrenia
2 step process:
1) normal object is perceived
2) sudden intense delusional insight into the objects meaning
e.g.
1)’The traffic light is green
2) therefore I am the King’.
Do patients with schizophrenia typically have preserved insight?
No, they often lack insight
Give examples of “negative symptoms” seen in schizophrenia
- blunting of affect
- anhedonia
- poverty of speech
- poor motivation
- social withdrawal
What are neologisms?
made-up words
Poor prognostic factors in schizophrenia
strong family history
gradual onset
low IQ
lack of obvious precipitant
Management of schizophrenia
- 1st Line: oral atypical antipsychotics
- CBT
There are high rates of cardiovascular disease in schizophrenic patients. Why is this the case?
- Linked to both antipsychotic medication and high smoking rates in this population
