10.5 Schizophrenic Disorders

Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders

characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking or speech, disorganized motor behavior

Psychosis

a mental state characterized by a disconnection from reality

Schizophrenia

psychological disorder characterized by persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking or speech, disorganized motor behavior

• lasts for at least 6 months

Delusions

false beliefs strongly held despite clear evidence to the contrary

Delusions of persecution

involve the false belief that one is being targeted or harassed

Delusions of grandeur

involve the false belief in one's exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame

Delusions of sin or guilt

false beliefs that you are responsible for bad things happening

Delusions of influence

false beliefs that you are controlled by outside forces (e.g. the devil)

Hallucinations

false sensory experiences without external stimuli, most commonly involving hearing voices that others do not hear

Disorganized Thinking or Speech

incoherent or nonsensical speech patterns

Disorganized Motor Behavior

abnormal or erratic movements, such as excessive agitation, bizarre postures, significantly impacting daily functioning

Catatonia

schizophrenia involves disordered movement that can manifest in two ways:

• Excitement (positive symptom): Excessive, purposeless motor activity, such as agitation or repetitive movements

• Stupor (negative symptom): Lack of movement or response, including unresponsiveness to the environment and immobility

Flat Affect

severe reduction in emotional expressiveness

Dopamine Hypothesis

suggests that the disorder is linked to an imbalance of dopamine activity in the brain

• excessive dopamine contributes to symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations