Schizophrenia

What is the prevalence rate of schizophrenia?

0.5 - 1%.

At what age range does schizophrenia commonly onset?

15 to 35 years.

What is the lifetime suicide risk for individuals with schizophrenia?

5%.

What contributes to premature mortality in individuals with schizophrenia?

Up to 40% attributed to suicide and unnatural death.

Why is schizophrenia referred to as the prototypical psychotic disorder?

It is one of the most common and covers the main five symptoms.

What are direct costs in relation to schizophrenia?

Costs associated with treatment and support, such as medical expenses and accommodation.

What do indirect costs of schizophrenia refer to?

Value of production lost due to illness and early mortality.

Define Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).

The sum of years of potential life lost due to premature mortality and years of productive life lost due to disability.

What are the key symptoms as per DSM-5 for diagnosing schizophrenia?

Must have two or more symptoms from delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior, and negative symptoms.

What is a delusion?

A false belief held despite contradicted evidence.

What does disorganised speech reflect in schizophrenia?

A disturbance in the form of thought rather than content.

What are common types of hallucinations experienced by individuals with schizophrenia?

Auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile hallucinations.

What characterizes disorganised or abnormal motor behavior in schizophrenia?

Psychomotor agitation, excessive purposeless activity, or catatonia.

What are considered negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Deficits in normal behavior, including flat affect, alogia, and avolition.

What are the three phases of schizophrenia?

Prodromal, active, and residual phases.

What is the genetic risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Increased prevalence among biological relatives; up to 50% in monozygotic twins.

What role does socioeconomic status (SES) play in schizophrenia?

Low SES is associated with a higher incidence of schizophrenia.

How does the diathesis-stress model explain schizophrenia?

Genetic predisposition combined with environmental stressors may trigger the illness.

What is the main treatment for schizophrenia?

Anti-psychotics, which are effective for positive symptoms but have side effects.

What role does psychoeducation play in the treatment of schizophrenia?

Educates individuals and family about relapse signs and management.

How can behavioral strategies assist individuals with schizophrenia?

They help develop social skills to maintain relationships.

What is the effect of negative expressed emotion from families on schizophrenia?

It can lead to higher relapse rates.

What is a common side effect of anti-psychotic medications?

Weight gain and tardive dyskinesia.