Schizophrenia Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech (formal thought disorder), and grossly disorganised or catatonic behaviour.
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Affective flattening, avolition, alogia, anhedonia, social withdrawal, and self-neglect.
What are hallucinations and how common are they in schizophrenia?
Perception-like experiences without external stimuli; vivid, clear, and involuntary. Reported by ~75% of patients, with auditory hallucinations being most common.
What are the main types of delusions in schizophrenia?
• Paranoid/persecutory: belief of being harmed
• Referential: neutral events have personal meaning
• Grandiose: belief in special powers or fame
• Erotomanic: belief someone is in love with them
What is formal thought disorder?
Disorganised thinking reflected in speech.
* Positive: derailment, tangentiality, word salad
* Negative: poverty of speech, reduced thought flow
What is catatonia and how does it present?
- A form of abnormal motor behaviour.
- Symptoms include stupor, waxy flexibility, echopraxia, mutism, and grimacing.
What are the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia?
• ≥2 symptoms for ≥1 month (one must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganised speech)
• Functional impairment
• Continuous signs for ≥6 months
• Not better explained by another disorder or substance
What distinguishes schizophrenia from other psychotic disorders?
Duration (≥6 months), presence of core symptoms, and exclusion of other causes (e.g., schizoaffective disorder, substance use).
What is the prevalence of schizophrenia?
Lifetime prevalence is 1–2%.
What is the typical age of onset for schizophrenia?
Late adolescence to early adulthood; earlier in males (17–30), later in females (20–40).
What is the gender distribution in schizophrenia?
3:2 male-to-female ratio.
What is the clinical course of schizophrenia?
• Premorbid: subtle cognitive/social deficits
• Prodromal: functional decline, brief positive symptoms
• Psychotic: florid positive symptoms
• Recovery: residual negative symptoms and cognitive deficits
What is the suicide risk in schizophrenia?
30% attempt suicide; 5–10% complete suicide.
What biological factors contribute to schizophrenia?
• Genetic: strong heritability (e.g., 44% concordance in MZ twins)
• Neurochemical: dopamine overactivity linked to positive symptoms
• Neuroanatomical: enlarged ventricles, prefrontal cortex degeneration linked to negative symptoms
What environmental and psychosocial factors are implicated?
Stressful life events, low social support, substance use, and migration status.
What is the first-line treatment for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic medication, especially effective for positive symptoms (~60% response rate).
What are common issues with pharmacological treatment?
High relapse rate (~40%) due to non-compliance, often from side effects or lack of insight.
What psychological interventions are used in schizophrenia?
• CBT (effective for positive symptoms)
• Social skills training
• Psychoeducation
• Stress management
• Medication adherence support
• Family involvement
How should psychological interventions be tailored?
Based on the phase of illness (early vs. late recovery) and individual needs.
How does stigma affect individuals with schizophrenia?
It contributes to social isolation, delays in treatment, and emotional distress. Many individuals are not violent or dangerous, contrary to public stereotypes.
What is the role of insight in schizophrenia?
Often impaired during acute episodes, affecting treatment adherence and help-seeking behaviour.
What is the importance of early intervention in schizophrenia?
Early treatment is associated with better outcomes; delays can worsen prognosis and increase chronicity.
