Introduction
What is the U.S. prevalence rate for schizophrenia?
1%
What is "catatonia?"
A state where an individual is consciously "checked out." They may be unresponsive yet awake.
What "degree" relative would your aunt/uncle be? What about a cousin?
An aunt or uncle would be considered a 2nd degree relative while a cousin would be a 3rd degree relative.
State the neurodevelopmental hypothesis.
Schizophrenia is the most common _______ disorder.
What is the difference between positive versus negative symptoms?
Positive symptoms refer to a behavior that is present that should not be, while a negative symptom refers to a behavior that should be present but isn't.
If your identical twin has schizophrenia, how likely would you be to get it as well? How about if your fraternal twin has schizophrenia?
If your identical twin has schizophrenia, there's a 48% chance that you'd get it as well. If your fraternal twin has schizophrenia, there's a 17% chance you'll get it.
List the 4 risk factors that can occur during the prenatal period.
1.) Premature birth
2.) Low birth weight
3.) Hypoxia
4.) Rh incompatibility
When is the general onset of schizophrenia?
Typically 18-30 years old.
What are the 2 types of psychotic symptoms? Describe them.
Hallucinations: has to do with one of the 5 senses (most common are auditory hallucinations)
Delusions: unfounded beliefs
In a schizophrenic brain, where can damage potentially occur?
Frontal lobes, temporal lobes, hippocampus, or thalamus.
What is the season-of-birth effect? Why does it occur?
1.) Maternal infections are more likely to occur in the fall
2.) Colder climates produce more birth complications
Describe what a prevalence rate is:
Presence of a specific trait within a given population.
Describe disorganized symptoms and give the most common type.
Disorganized behavior refers to illogical thinking and bizarre behavior (peculiarities). The most common form of a disorganized behavior is "word salad," where words are strung together randomly and without thought.
How can growing up with a household cat potentially lead to the onset of schizophrenia?
Toxoplasmosis: Pet cats carry a pathogen within their fecal matter. It can cause minor brain damage to the baby if the baby comes into direct contact with it.
What is the main characteristic for all psychotic disorders?
Psychotic episodes: An involuntary break from reality where an individual cannot distinguish between real life and delusions.
What are the 3 types of negative symptoms that are present within patients with schizophrenia?
1.) Not expressing emotions (facial expressions)
2.) Lack of social behaviors/etiquette
3.) Catatonic state
List the 3 conclusions about genetics' role in schizophrenia.
1.) As genetic overlap increases, the concordance rate also increases; there is a higher risk of getting schizophrenia.
2.) Genetics plays a significant role in schizophrenia
3.) Genetics are not the only factor in schizophrenia
Describe Rh incompatability. When can it become a problem and how?
Everyone is either Rh+ or Rh-. Rh is an antigen that resides in red blood cells. If someone is Rh-, it means that they do not have any Rh antigen attached to their blood. A problem only occurs if the baby is Rh+ and the mother is Rh-; the mother's immune system thinks that the baby's Rh is a threat and attacks it, which can cause minor brain damage.