Diagnosis of schizophrenia - 1

What is schizophrenia?

A severe, long term mental disorder where contact with reality and insight are impaired. “The failure to understand reality”

What type of disorder is schizophrenia?

A psychotic disorder

When is schizophrenia typically diagnosed?

In people’s early 20’s

Is schizophrenia more diagnosed in men or women? (1) Why? (2)

It is more diagnosed in men than women. This is because:

• Men generally have less emotional expression than women so it is more noticeable when they begin to have more emotional reactions

• Women can hide symptoms more better due to to stronger support network

Is schizophrenia diagnosed more in people living in the city or people who live in the countryside and why?

People living in the city because:

• Higher pressures from work etc

• Larger population

What are the 2 categories of symptoms of schizophrenia?

• Positive symptoms

• Negative symptoms

What is a positive symptom?