Schizophrenia Flashcards
Define psychosis
Refers to loss of contact with external reality characterised by: impaired perceptions and thought processes
What is Schziophrenia?
It is a spectrum disorder; but does not mean split personality.
DSM-5 SCHIZOPHRENIA criteria
A. Characteristics symptoms (2 or more, but must include at least 1, 2 or 3, during a one month period)
- delusions
- hallucinations
- disorganised speech
- grossly disorganised or catatonic behaviour
- negative symptoms
How long do the continuous signs of disturbance need to be going for it to be classified as SCHIZOPHRENIA?
Present for at least 6 months.
SCHIZOPHRENIA - positive symptoms
Things you wouldn’t expect to see in healthy individuals.
E.g. hallucinations; delusions; formal thought disorder; behavioural/motor disturbances; lack of insight
SCHIZOPHRENIA - negative symptoms
Indicating absence or deficits within a person; lack of drive and motivation; poverty of speech
E.g. social withdrawal; anhedonia; emotional blunting; confusion; self-neglect
What type of SCHIZOPHRENIA hallucinations is the most common?
Auditory hallucinations.
60-70% of people report this.
Define catatonic behaviour
A marked decrease in reactivity to the environment.
What is the lifetime prevalence SCHIZOPHRENIA?
1-2%
What is the gender ratio of SCHIZOPHRENIA?
More males than females
Male to female ratio 3:2
Age of onset for SCHIZOPHRENIA?
Typical onset in late adolescence and early adulthood (tends to be later for women).
Onset usually coincides with an often stressful time of life, further complicated by impact of schizophrenia.
Which phase are you most likely to notice signs of SCHIZOPHRENIA?
The Prodomal Phase
How long does the Psychotic Phase last?
Median time is about 1 year.
How many people with SCHIZOPHRENIA attempt to commit suicide? How many succeed?
30% of patients attempt suicide; 5-10% complete suicide.
Explain SCHIZOPHRENIA aetiological factors
Not well understood; heterogenous range of disorders with a presumed common underlying biological vulnerability.
It has strong genetic links (similar to bipolar).
