schizophrenia & other psychotic disorders

positive symptoms

excesses or distortions of normal function

• delusions, hallucination, disorganized speech, grossly organized or catatonic behavior

negative symptoms

represent a loss or absence of function

• restricted emotion (affective flattening)

• difficulty in experiencing pleasure (anhedonia)

• decreased thought and speech (alogia)

• lack of energy (anergia) and initiative

impact on functioning

• interaction with environment is difficult

• lost or failed to develop social/communication skills

• cognitive deficits due to thought disorders and difficulty performing basic skills

side effects of first generation antipsychotic medication

dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, parkinsonism, dystonias, akathisia, cardiovascular disorders

complication of clozaril (2nd generation antipsychotic)

• agranulocytosis, decrease in certain white blood cells that is potentially fatal

diagnositc-specific considerations for OT

• communicate simple, clearly, and concretely

• external structure and consistency to organize thinking, environment, and daily activities

• supports and tools