Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and The Forensic Mental Healthcare System

These flashcards cover key terms related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the forensic mental healthcare system, as presented in the lecture notes.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

A group of disorders majorly defined by the experience of psychosis, including schizophrenia.

Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

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

Psychosis

Experience where a person's thoughts, perceptions, and moods are significantly altered, involving a loss of contact with reality.

Dopamine Hypothesis

Theory that suggests schizophrenia is related to excess amounts of dopamine in the brain.

Positive Symptoms

An ADDITION of problematic symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior.

Negative Symptoms

A LOSS/REDUCTION of function, such as flat affect, avolition, and decreased speech.

Core Symptoms of Schizophrenia

At least two required symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.

Avolition

Lack of motivation, commonly seen as a negative symptom of schizophrenia.

Delusional Disorder

Characterized by the presence of 1 or more delusions for at least one month with no other major psychotic symptoms.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting longer than 1 day but less than 1 month.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, requires a concurrent major mood episode.

Schizophreniform Disorder

Similar to schizophrenia but with symptoms lasting between 1 to 6 months.

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Characterized by an overly suspicious mindset and unjustifiable jealousy in relationships.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Marked by pervasive antisocial behavior, including lack of remorse and violation of social norms.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, and impulsive behavior.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Marked by high sensitivity to rejection and avoidance of interpersonal relationships.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Characterized by perfectionism and the tendency to focus excessively on order and control.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Involuntary muscle movements that may result from long-term use of antipsychotic medications.

First Generation Antipsychotics

Medications that primarily block dopamine receptors and may cause significant side effects.

Second Generation Antipsychotics

Medications that block both dopamine and serotonin receptors, typically with fewer extrapyramidal side effects.

Family Therapy

A treatment intervention aimed at improving communication and relationships within families of individuals with schizophrenia.

Psychotic Symptoms

Signs of psychosis including hallucinations and delusions occurring without an external source.

Cognitive Remediation Therapy

Psychological intervention focused on enhancing cognitive function in individuals with schizophrenia.

Clinical High Risk (CHR)

Individuals at high risk for developing psychosis, typically within 2-3 years.

First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

Sudden and severe presentation of psychotic symptoms requiring immediate intervention.

Genetic Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

Approximately 44% risk is noted for monozygotic twins indicating a genetic component.

Environmental Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

Social and psychological stressors like migration, childhood adversity, and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Neurobiological Evidence for Schizophrenia

Disruptions in brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex linked to executive functions.

Chronic Disorder

A long-standing condition characterized by persistent symptoms, as seen in schizophrenia.

Attenuated Symptoms

Mild or subthreshold symptoms that indicate risk for developing full-blown psychosis.

Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Difficulties related to attention, processing speed, and executive functioning.

Residual Phase of Schizophrenia

Phase occurring after symptom improvement characterized by reduced positive symptoms but prominent negative symptoms.