Overview
What is Schizophrenia?
A mental disorder/syndrome
How many symptoms must one have to be diagnosed?
At least two (one has to be delusions, hallucinations, or disoriented speech).
Combo of...
Genetics and environment
What are the main treatment options? (2)
Is it possible to prevent this disorder?
There is no known prevention, but sticking with a treatment plan can help prevent relapse and/or worsening symptoms.
Usually diagnosed after the onset of what condition?
Psychosis
What are some of the first signs? (3)
note: NOT symptoms but (early) signs
Personality changes, irritability, or unusual thoughts
Is there an exact cause?
No (at least not found)
What part of the body do drugs affect?
The whole body
What percent of patients experience hallucinations at least once?
About 80%
What percentage of people have Schizophrenia?
1%
What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms?
Positive symptoms are not seen in the overall population (added) whereas negative symptoms are qualities reduced (subtracted) in people with Schizophrenia.
How long do patients require treatment?
Their whole life
List at least one side effects of antipsychotics
Drowsiness, change of blood pressure, possible connection to lose of neural tissue, weight gain, etc.
What is a common misconception about people with Schizophrenia regarding their personality?
That they have multiple personalities when in reality, there is a disruption of their thought processes.
What parts of the brain are found to be reduced in Schizophrenic patients?
Hippocampal and thalamic volumes
Give at least 3 examples of positive symptoms.
Delusions, hallucinations, disordered speech, disordered behavior.
What are some risk factors?
Family history of Schizophrenia or the use of mind-altering drugs
What do newer drugs target?
Newer drugs target multiple neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
What are positive symptoms linked to (what chemical)?
An excess of dopamine in particular brain pathways.
List the 5 A's
Blunted Affect, Alogia, Anhedonia, Asociality, Avolition
List at least two example of a negative symptom and two examples of cognitive symptoms.
Negative: lack of motivation, expression of emotion, and speech
Cognitive: lack of concentration, memory, and decision making.
What are the types of hallucinations?
Visual, auditory, gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell).
What do traditional antipsychotics do?
They block dopamine receptors, can reduce positive symptoms, and increase negative symptoms.
What are negative symptoms linked to?
Low levels of dopamine in particular brain areas.