Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders Overview

What are the four symptoms required for a diagnosis of Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized/catatonic behavior.

What is the duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Symptoms must last for at least 1 day but less than 1 month.

What distinguishes Schizophreniform Disorder from Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Schizophreniform Disorder requires 2 or more symptoms for at least 1 month but less than 6 months.

What are the symptoms of Schizophreniform Disorder?

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized/catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (e.g., avolition, alogia, anhedonia).

What is the minimum duration of symptoms for a diagnosis of Schizophrenia?

Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, including an active phase lasting at least 1 month.

What are the key symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized/catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms.

What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in monozygotic twins?

48%.

How does the dopamine hypothesis explain schizophrenia?

Originally thought to be caused by excess dopamine; revised to indicate positive symptoms from dopamine hyperactivity in subcortical areas and negative symptoms from hypoactivity in cortical areas.

What brain abnormalities are linked to schizophrenia?

Enlarged ventricles and reduced prefrontal cortex activity (hypofrontality).

What is the impact of brain dysfunction in schizophrenia on behavior?

It may impair impulse control, leading to difficulties in regulating behavior and emotional responses.

What are common comorbid conditions with schizophrenia?

Anxiety, OCD, and tobacco use disorder.

What is the typical onset age range for schizophrenia?

Late teens to early 30s (males: early-mid 20s; females: late 20s).

What factors are associated with a better prognosis in schizophrenia?

Female gender, acute/late onset, mood symptoms, positive symptoms, good premorbid adjustment, and family history of mood disorder.

What factors are associated with a worse prognosis in schizophrenia?

Anosognosia and high expressed emotion in the family (criticism/hostility/involvement).

How does the course of schizophrenia differ in non-Western countries?

It shows more acute onset, shorter course, and higher remission rates.

What is the immigrant paradox in relation to schizophrenia?

Recent immigrants show better outcomes than acculturated immigrants or US-born natives.

What is the preferred treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia?

Clozapine.

What role does family involvement play in medication adherence for schizophrenia?

Family/support involvement increases adherence and reduces relapse risk.

What is the focus of early intervention programs like NAVIGATE?

They target first-episode psychosis and enhance coping and adjustment.

What characterizes Schizoaffective Disorder?

Symptoms of schizophrenia with a major mood episode (depressive or manic) for most of the illness. time frame is typically at least two weeks, indicating that psychotic symptoms can occur independently of mood disturbances.

What is required for the diagnosis of Delusional Disorder?

One or more delusions lasting at least 1 month, with relatively preserved functioning apart from the delusion.

What are the subtypes of Delusional Disorder?

Erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, and somatic.