32.4Understanding Schizophrenia and Its Symptoms

What is Schizophrenia?

A severe psychological disorder characterized by profound symptoms, including delusions and/or hallucinations.

How does the DSM categorize Schizophrenia?

As a spectrum of disorders with common characteristics including delusions and hallucinations.

What are the key symptoms required for a Schizophrenia diagnosis?

A person must exhibit two of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behaviors, and negative symptoms.

What are Positive Symptoms in Schizophrenia?

Symptoms that are present in someone with Schizophrenia but not in a healthy individual.

What are Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia?

Symptoms that are absent in those diagnosed with Schizophrenia but present in healthy individuals.

Which symptoms must be present for a Schizophrenia diagnosis?

At least one of the symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

A disorder characterized by symptoms of Schizophrenia plus symptoms of either depression or mania.

What biological factor is linked to Schizophrenia?

Hyper-responsive dopamine receptors in the brain.

What physical brain abnormality is associated with Schizophrenia?

Enlarged ventricles, which are fluid-filled cavities in the brain.

At what age do Schizophrenia disorders typically occur?

Most often in late adolescence or early adulthood.