Schizophrenia

Question 1

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 1

It is a form of psychosis, where there is a loss of contact to reality

Thoughts and emotions are impaired

Question 2

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 2

Positive:
Delusions- false belief

Hallucinations- visual, auditory or olfactory senses without stimuli

Interference with thinking

Negative:
Slowness

Social withdrawal

Lack of interest

Question 3

What are the chemical and physical causes of schizophrenia?

Answer 3

Overactivity of D2 receptors It may have a genetic link

Drug related - 18-30 year olds usually explore this

Question 4

What are complications of schizophrenia?

Answer 4

2-4 times more likely to have diabetes

High risk of suicide

Only a few patients recover fully after a first episode

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of typical antipsychotics?

Answer 5

Block D2 and D3 receptors which causes extrapyramidal side effects

Question 6

What side effects are associated with atypical neuroleptics?

Answer 6

Weight gain

Raises prolactin - bigger breasts, ED and breast milk

Raises lipids and cholesterol

Cardiovascular - hypotension, QT prolongation

Question 7

What is the third line treatment for schizophrenia and why?

Answer 7

Clozapine - causes agranulocytosis

Once there is a gap of more than 48 hours, restart titration