Schizophrenia

Question 1

what does schizophrenia typically involve

Answer 1

severely distorted beliefs or perceptions and thoughts

Question 2

what does schizophrenia diagnosis require

Answer 2

two or more characteristic symptoms - at least one being positive
reduction in functioning

Question 3

what are positive symptoms

Answer 3

additional processes to normal functioning
delusions
hallucinations
disorganised behaviour

Question 4

persecutory delusions

Answer 4

being followed or watch usually by agents of authority

Question 5

grandiose delusions

Answer 5

beliefs about being famous or special person

Question 6

delusions of reference

Answer 6

others are talking about them

Question 7

somatic delusions

Answer 7

believing you have a physical defect or abnormality

Question 8

define hallucinations

Answer 8

Sensory experience that others do not perceive e.g. hearing voices or sounds

Question 9

what does disorganised speech refer to

Answer 9

lack of associations between ideas and events

Question 10

what may disorganised behaviour involve

Answer 10

unusual behaviour such as child like silliness or inappropriate sexual behaviour

Question 11

what is catatonic stupor

Answer 11

absence of motor behaviours, often rigid

Question 12

what are negative symptoms

Answer 12

Deficits in behavioural or emotional functioning

Question 12

what is catatonic excitement

Answer 12

agitated, fidgety or rapid movements

Question 13

what is flat effect

Answer 13

lack of emotional expression, monotone

Question 14

what is alogia

Answer 14

reduced speech

Question 15

what is avolition

Answer 15

lack of motivation

Question 16

what is the typical prevalence of sz across cultures

Answer 16

1% of population

Question 17

when does onset usually occur

Answer 17

young adulthood 20+

Question 18

how might social factors play a role

Answer 18

higher prevalence in those who live alone, high in black ethnic groups

Question 19

evidence for genetic risk for sz

Answer 19

50% risk for identical twins when one has schizophrenia

Question 20

why may genes play a factor in risk to sz

Answer 20

chromosomes associated with genes that aid brain development

Question 21

what risk does paternal age pose

Answer 21

often caused by mutation of sperm, sperm more likely to mutate as age increases

Question 22

what biological factors have been show to associate with sz

Answer 22

50% show abnormal brain structure
enlarged ventricles
loss of grey matter and volume

Question 23

what is the default network and its relation to sz

Answer 23

part of the brain active during wakeful rest
schizophrenics tend to be unable to switch to executive function from this

Question 24

what neurotransmitter is associated with psychotic symptoms

Answer 24

dopamine neuron activity

Question 25

what is dopamine responsible for

Answer 25

reward and punishment and motor movements

Question 26

where is dopamine produced

Answer 26

brainstem - but projections affect cortex activation

Question 27

what does the dopamine hypothesis suggest causes positive symptoms

Answer 27

overactivity in the midbrain regions

Question 28

what does the dopamine hypothesis suggest causes negative symptoms

Answer 28

underactivity of dopamine in cortical regions

Question 29

what is chlorpromazine

Answer 29

Reduces dopamine activity in the brain - reduces aggression, hallucinations and delusions (positive symptoms)

Question 30

which antipsychotic is known as typical

Answer 30

Chlorpromazine

Question 31

what do atypical drugs do

Answer 31

More effective in treating negative symptoms Targets dopamine imbalance rather than overactivity

Question 32

side effects associated with both antipsychotics

Answer 32

weight gain and cardiac problems

Question 33

side effects associated with typical drugs

Answer 33

involuntary movement disorders

Question 34

issue using antipsychotics

Answer 34

do not cure often leads to patterns of hospitalisation

Question 35

why do schizophrenics often use nicotine

Answer 35

mimics acetylcholine improves negative symptoms

Question 36

evidence for environmental origins

Answer 36

Direct brain damage or injury during early development Prenatal complications - stress, starvation, winter birth effect

Question 36

what is the aim of family interventions

Answer 36

Modify inaccurate beliefs about schizophrenia Enhance positive communication Involve everyone in relapse prevention plan

Question 37

how is CBT used

Answer 37

Importance of individuals interpretation of psychotic events Normalise and reduce impact of symptoms

Question 38

how may early intervention be implemented

Answer 38

Seek out high risk individuals Develop cognitive skills to increase executive control

Question 39

what does the biopsychosocial model suggest

Answer 39

genetics, personality and environment all have an impact on mental health one factor alone does not provide sufficient explanations

Question 40

applying the biopsychosocial model to sz

Answer 40

Recognising relationships are central to treatment Provide multidimensional treatment Ensure patient's history and life circumstances are understood