PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS Flashcards
(14 cards)
Q: What is psychosis?
A: Psychosis is a psychological condition involving a loss of contact with reality, often marked by hallucinations (false sensory experiences) and delusions (false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviours
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Q: What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis?
A: Positive symptoms are active manifestations of abnormal experiences and behaviours. They include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (false perceptions), and disorganized speech or behaviour
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Q: What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
A: Negative symptoms reflect deficits in normal behaviour and include avolition (lack of motivation), alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and flat affect (lack of emotional expression)
Q: What is delusional disorder and how is it diagnosed?
A: Delusional disorder involves persistent, non-bizarre delusions lasting at least one month without the other core symptoms of schizophrenia. Functioning is not markedly impaired, and behaviour isn’t bizarre. Subtypes include erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic, mixed, and unspecified
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Q: What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia?
A: Diagnosis requires two or more of the following for at least one month: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized/catatonic behaviour, or negative symptoms. At least one must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech
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Q: What are common neurochemical causes of psychosis?
A: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine (especially hyperactivity in some brain regions), glutamate, and GABA are implicated. Dopamine dysregulation is particularly central in schizophrenia
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Q: What role does CBT play in treating psychosis?
A: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and challenge delusional thoughts and maladaptive beliefs. It can reduce both positive and negative symptoms and is often used alongside medication
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Q: What are antipsychotics and how are they used in treatment?
Antipsychotic medications are the primary pharmacological treatment for psychosis.
They reduce positive symptoms by modulating dopamine. Atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects and target a broader range of neurotransmitters
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Q: What are psychosocial interventions for psychotic disorders?
A: These include social skills training, cognitive remediation, family therapy, and supported employment. They aim to improve functional outcomes and prevent relapse
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Q: What is schizoaffective disorder?
A: A condition characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia along with mood disorder symptoms (e.g., major depression or mania). Mood symptoms must be present for the majority of the illness’s duration
What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Positive symptoms mean added experiences that aren’t normal:
- Delusions – False beliefs (e.g., thinking someone is spying on them)
- Hallucinations – Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (like voices)
- Disorganized speech – Talking in a confusing way, jumping between topics
- Disorganized behavior – Acting in strange or unpredictable ways
- Lack of motivation – Not feeling like doing anything
What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Negative symptoms are things that are missing in behavior or emotions:
- Flat affect – No facial expressions or tone in voice
- Avolition – Not wanting to do anything or finish tasks
- Anhedonia – Not enjoying things they used to like
- Social withdrawal – Avoiding people and social situations
What causes schizophrenia?
- There is no single cause, but it usually comes from a mix of factors:
- Genetic – Family history of schizophrenia
- Environmental – Problems during pregnancy, drug use, stress
- Brain chemicals – Imbalance in dopamine and serotonin
- Brain structure – Brain may look or work differently
What are the treatments for schizophrenia?
- Medication (Antipsychotics) – Helps fix brain chemicals and reduce symptoms
- Psychotherapy (like CBT) – Helps manage stress, thoughts, and daily life
- Social Support – Support groups, skill-building, and help with living independently
