Unit 5b: MEN5 Neuro/Schizo/Dissociative Disorders

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

neurodevelopmental disorder involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior.

positive symptoms

excesses or distortions in normal functioning, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts and behavior.

delusions

positive symptom that involves false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or contrary evidence.

delusions of persecution

type of delusion where the individual believes that others are conspiring against them or trying to harm them.

delusions of grandeur

type of delusion where the individual believes they have exceptional abilities, fame, or importance.

hallucinations

positive symptom that involves perceptions of things that are not actually present. Auditory type most common in schizophrenia.

disorganized thinking

positive symptom where an individual's thoughts become fragmented, leading to incoherent speech or difficulty in organizing thoughts logically.

disorganized speech

positive symptom in which a person's communication is fragmented, jumbled, or incomprehensible.

word salad

term used to describe speech that is incoherent and jumbled, often seen in individuals with severe schizophrenia.

disorganized motor behavior

unpredictable or inappropriate actions, which can range from agitation to extreme physical postures.

catatonia

state of immobility or extreme agitation, which can involve the person becoming unresponsive to their environment, or engaging in purposeless, repetitive movements.

negative symptoms

deficits or reductions in normal functioning, such as lack of emotional expression (flat affect), lack of motivation, or social withdrawal, often seen in schizophrenia.

flat affect

lack of emotional expression, commonly seen in schizophrenia and other disorders.

catatonic stupor

state of near-complete unresponsiveness to external stimuli, often characterized by a lack of movement or verbal response.

dopamine hypothesis

theory suggesting that schizophrenia symptoms, particularly positive symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations), may be related to overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain areas.

dissociation

A mental process where a person becomes disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity.

dissociative amnesia

memory loss where an individual is unable to recall important autobiographical information, often due to trauma or stress.

dissociative identity disorder (DID)

severe form of dissociation where an individual has two or more distinct identities or personalities.