7. Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders

Question 1

What is the (Historical) Difference between:

1. Psychosis?
2. Neurosis?

Answer 1

1. Psychosis = Disease of the Mind - Severe

2. Neurosis = Disease of the Nerves - Mild

Question 2

What is Psychosis?

Answer 2

An inability to Distinguish between Symptoms of Delusion / Hallucination / Disordered Thinking, from Reality
Note - Lack of Insight

Question 3

How does Psychosis present?

Answer 3

1. Hallucinations

2. Delusions

Question 4

How do Hallucinations present?

Answer 4

1. Have the Full Force and Clarity of True Perception
2. Located in External Space
3. No External Stimulus
4. Not willed / Controlled
5. Involving the 5 Special Senses - Auditory / Visual / Tactile / Olfactory / Gustatory

Question 5

How is Delusional Beliefs defined?

Answer 5

“A delusion is an unshakeable idea or belief which is out of keeping with the person’s social and cultural background; it is held with extraordinary conviction”

Examples - Grandiose / Paranoid / Hypochondriacal / Self-Referential

Question 6

What is the Aetiology of Psychosis?

Answer 6

1. Biological Factors - Genetics / Neurochemistry
2. Psychological Factors - Life Events Precipitants
3. Social Factors - Isolation / Migration / Occupation / Class
4. Evolutionary Theories:
5. a) Jung’s Concept of Collective Unconscious
6. b) Gestait Psychology

Question 7

What are the Stages of Development of Delusions?

Answer 7

1. Stage of Fear
2. Delusional Idea Appears
3. Effort to make sense of the experience by altering view of the world
4. Final Breakdown - as thought disorder and behavioural symptoms emerge