UNIT 5A PT.3 AP PSYCH

Schizophrenic spectrum disorders

A group of severe mental health conditions that affect thinking, perception, motions and behavior

Schizophrenia

A split from reality and losing touch w/ what is real and what is not

Delusions

False beliefs that have no basis in reality and persist despite evidence

Delusions of Grandeur

False belief that one has special importance or special abilities/powers

Disorganized thinking or speech

Make it difficult or organize ones thought and respond clearly to different situations

Delusions of persecution

beliefs that people are out to get them/ are being plotted against

Hallucinations

False sensory perceptions that occur w/o an external stimulus

• sees, hears, smells,taste, or touches things that are not actually present

Word salad

When words are jumbled together in a way that doesn't make logical sense and no meaningful connections

Disorganized motor behavior

abnormal movements or behavior that interfere w/ the persons ability to function normally

Negative symptoms

Refers to when something excepted has been taken away

Positive symptoms

Refers to when something atypical has been added

Flat Affect

Severe reduction in emotional expression

• appear emotionally unresponsive

• showing no facial reaction to expected emotional situations

Catatonic excitement

Positive- Excessive movement and agitation

Catatonic Stupor

Negative- A person becomes in-mobile and unresponsive

Acute

Developed suddenly and triggered by stress and trauma

• responds well to treatment

Chronic

Develops gradually over time, symptoms worsen and last over time

• treatment is more difficult

Dopamine hypothesis

Neurotransmitter imbalances

• An imbalance in dopamine that is believed to contribute to schizophrenia

• over activity may result in positive symptoms

• reduced dopamine may result in negative symptoms