Symptoms
What is the difference between positive and negative symptoms?
A positive symptom is something you didn't experience before the onset of schizophrenia (ie: psychosis). A negative symptom is when schizophrenia makes something that used to be easy more difficult (ie: blunt affect, difficulty communicating, feelings of depression, etc.).
Name 2 popular myths about schizophrenia that are NOT true.
Any of these will work:
- Patients with schizophrenia do not have "multiple personalities" (that description usually refers to one of two dissociative disorders)
- Patients with schizophrenia are not usually violent or dangerous.
- Not all patients experience hallucinations or delusions.
- Patients with schizophrenia CAN function in society and lead meaningful lives.
What are some common goals of recovery?
Any will work:
- Developing independent living skills.
- Managing symptoms.
- Learning and applying coping skills.
- Understanding and accepting your condition.
- Managing intense emotions like anger and anxiety.
- Find appropriate medication.
- Improve social skills.
What is stigma?
Stigma refers to negative biases against a person based on their circumstances or experience. Addiction, debt, disability, mental illness, poverty, are all said to carry stigma.
Why is exercise important for people with mental illness?
Possible answers:
- It makes you healthier and allows you to live longer.
- It can make you happier and relieve anxiety.
- It is a healthy way to release energy.
- It keeps your body strong and in shape.
- It is good stress-relief.
- Your doctor will appreciate it.
Name three positive symptoms
Any of these are okay:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations (including voices)
- Disorganized speech (hard to follow)
- Communication difficulties
- Erratic, inappropriate, or bizarre behaviors
- Psychomotor agitation
- Catatonic or withdrawn behaviors
True or False: Schizophrenia is extremely rare.
False. Schizophrenia affects more than 3 million people worldwide.
Using _______ or _______ can make symptoms worse and stop medications from working properly.
Drugs or alcohol.
True or False: People with schizophrenia can only make friends with other mentally ill individuals.
False! While some people without mental illness are judgmental toward people who have them, many more people will be accepting and supportive.
True or false: There are no coping skills that can help with positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, etc.).
False! Many CBT techniques, such as reality-testing, cognitive reassessing, and addressing permanent thinking can help.
Name three negative symptoms
Any of these are okay:
- Flat affect
- Decreased motivation
- Difficulty making or pursuing goals
- Slowed reaction to other people & events
- Diminished speech
- Apathy
- Anhedonia (loss of ability to feel pleasure)
1/100 or 1%.
What is it called when someone experiences both addiction and a mental illness at the same time?
Co-occurring disorders.
What are some ways to address misconceptions about schizophrenia?
Possible answers:
- Sharing your story.
- Sharing resources to help people learn.
- Correcting misconceptions when you hear them.
- Live confidently and be proud of who you are.
What types of symptoms are NOT addressed with medication?
Negative symptoms.
Mostly positive symptoms
What is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder involves a combination of schizophrenia and mood disorder (particularly bipolar) symptoms.
What makes drugs and alcohol especially dangerous for people with schizophrenia?
Any will work:
- They interfere with medication.
- Can interact with medications in unsafe ways.
- Can mask symptoms/delay appropriate treatment.
- Do not provide lasting, sustainable relief.
- Can negatively impact a patient's physical health.
What can you do if someone judges you for your mental illness?
Possible answers:
- Have a conversation with them about how you feel.
- Set boundaries with that person.
- Focus on more supportive and positive people in your life.
- Remember that other people are responsible for their feelings and prejudices. Do not blame yourself.
If you feel you are not getting better or need additional support, what can you do?
Possible answers:
- Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist.
- Talk to your case manager.
- Join an outside support group.
- Find a psychotherapist to offer further support.
How can a client manage negative symptoms that medications do not eliminate?
- Using coping skills
- Attending group/program
- Staying connected to a support system
- Seeking psychotherapy
- Reading self-help books
What can you do when you are experiencing a symptom?
Possible answers:
- Use coping skills.
- Use "reality testing" to see if what you are perceiving or experiencing makes sense/seems real.
- Remind yourself that you are strong and resilient and doing well in recovery.
- Contact your support system.
- When in doubt, contact your doctor.
How can people who suffer from both schizophrenia and an addiction find support?
These answers are all okay:
- Attend outside AA/NA meetings to manage addiction.
- Attend "double trouble" meetings that focus on both schizophrenia and addiction recovery.
- Find a sponsor you can call when triggered or tempted to use.
- Seek a psychotherapist trained in treating both.
True or false: The stigma against schizophrenia means I can never go to school or get a job.
False! Many schools offer accommodations for students with disabilities (including schizophrenia). Workplace discrimination is prohibited by law. The American Disabilities Act requires that workplaces provide reasonable accommodations when necessary.
What are some examples of creative coping skills?
- Art
- Building things
- Collaging
- Cooking
- Floral arrangement
- Journaling
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Sculpting/working with clay
- Writing