schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders

psychosis

inability to differentiate between what is real vs unreal

schizophrenia

severe form of psychosis where individuals alternate between an accurate view of reality with proper functioning and psychosis (active phase)

positive symptoms

overt expressions of unusual perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors

delusions

ideas that an individual believes to be true but that are highly unlikely or impossible

hallucinations

perceptual experiences that occur without an actual stimulus

types of hallucinations

visual, auditory, tactile

loose associations/derailment

tendency to slip from one topic to an unrelated topic with little coherent transition

disorganized behavior

unpredictable and apparently untriggered agitation

catatonia

unresponsiveness to the environment

negative symptoms

lack of expected or normal emotions, behaviors, and motivations

restricted affect

severe reduction in or absence of emotional expression

avolition/asociality

inability to initiate or persist at common, goal-directed activities

cognitive deficits

deficits in basic cognitive processes, including attention, memory, and processing speed

acute phase

symptoms are present consistently for at least 1 month

prodromal symptoms

occur before the acute phase

what are some examples of prodromal symptoms?

• social withdrawal

• anxiety

• mood changes

• cognitive difficulties

residual symptoms

remain after the acute phase

schizoaffective disorder

mix of schizophrenia and a mood disorder

schizophreniform disorder

symptoms of schizophrenia present for less than 6 months

delusional disorder

delusions lasting at least 1 month regarding situations that occur in real life