Lecture on Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Forensic Mental Healthcare System

Flashcards contain key terms and definitions related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their treatment as discussed in the lecture.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

A group of disorders characterized primarily by experiences of psychosis, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder.

Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

Mental illnesses characterized by significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior, leading to distress and impairment in functioning.

Psychosis

An experience where a person's perceptions, thoughts, mood, and behavior are significantly altered, often characterized by a loss of contact with reality.

Positive Symptoms

Additions of problematic symptoms in schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions.

Negative Symptoms

Loss or reduction of functions associated with schizophrenia, such as impaired emotional expression or lack of motivation.

Dopamine Hypothesis

The theory that excess dopamine activity in the brain is related to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Schizoaffective Disorder

A disorder characterized by the presence of both schizophrenia symptoms and a mood disorder.

Delusional Disorder

A disorder characterized by the presence of one or more delusions that persist for at least one month without other major psychotic symptoms.

Cognitive Symptoms

Difficulties in attention, working memory, and other cognitive functions that affect daily life in individuals with schizophrenia.

Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia

Involves the use of antipsychotic medications to manage symptoms, with side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms.

Psychological Treatment Interventions

Non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, and family therapy to support individuals with schizophrenia.

Prodromal Phase

The initial phase of schizophrenia where a decline in functioning is noticed, often resembling signs of depression or anxiety.

Active/Acute Phase

The phase of schizophrenia where core psychotic symptoms are most prominent and severe, often requiring intensive treatment.

Residual Phase

The phase following an acute episode of schizophrenia where some symptoms may persist but are generally less severe.

Clinical High Risk (CHR)

Individuals identified as at high risk for developing psychosis based on behavioral changes, often monitored to prevent progression.

First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

The first instance of full-blown psychotic symptoms often requiring immediate treatment.

Antipsychotics

Medications prescribed to manage symptoms of psychosis, including typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics.

Disorganized Speech

A symptom of schizophrenia that involves significant disruptions in logical and coherent speech.

Hallucinations

Unusual sensory experiences, such as hearing voices, that occur without an external source.

Delusions

Strongly held false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary.