Cognitive Functions: Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder as discussed in the lecture.

Schizophrenia

A disorder characterized by a split between emotional and intellectual aspects of experience, often involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech/behavior and negative symptoms.

Delusions

Unjustifiable beliefs, such as 'Beings from outer space are controlling my actions.'

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences, such as hearing voices when alone.

Positive Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Behaviors that are present but should be absent, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and disorganized behavior.

Negative Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Behaviors that are absent but should be present, such as weak emotional expression, speech, and socialization.

Cognitive Symptoms (Schizophrenia)

Impairments of thought and reasoning, including difficulty with abstract concepts and maintaining/focusing attention.

Differential Diagnosis

Ruling out other conditions that resemble schizophrenia before making a diagnosis.

Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

The theory that schizophrenia results from excess activity at dopamine synapses in certain brain areas.

Glutamate Hypothesis of Schizophrenia

The theory that schizophrenia relates in part to deficient activity at glutamate synapses in the prefrontal cortex.

Neurodevelopmental Hypothesis

Prenatal or neonatal influences (genetic or environmental) produce abnormalities in the developing brain, leading to schizophrenia.

Season-of-Birth Effect

The tendency for people born in winter to have a slightly greater probability of developing schizophrenia.

Antipsychotic / Neuroleptic Drugs

Drugs used to relieve schizophrenia and similar conditions, often by blocking dopamine receptors.

Tardive Dyskinesia

A side effect of some antipsychotic drugs, characterized by tremors and other involuntary movements.

Second-Generation Antipsychotics / Atypical Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic drugs that reduce the risk of movement problems compared to first-generation antipsychotics.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

A developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social and emotional exchange, communication, and stereotyped behaviors.

Folic Acid

Vitamin B9; important for development of the nervous system. Pregnant women who take folic acid have are less likely to have an autistic child.