Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to schizophrenia, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, biological factors, and treatment options.

Positive Symptoms

Symptoms that reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, including hallucinations and delusions.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences without external stimulation, can be auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory.

Delusions

Strongly held false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning, includes persecution, thought insertion, and grandiose delusions.

Negative Symptoms

Symptoms that reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions, such as flat affect and avolition.

Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia

Includes delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms, lasting at least six months.

Schizoaffective Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorder.

Schizophreniform Disorder

A temporary diagnosis with symptoms of schizophrenia lasting between 1 and 6 months.

Biological Predisposing Factors

Include genetic factors, environmental stresses during the second trimester, and correlations with seasonal birth.

Dopamine Theory

Suggests schizophrenia is associated with abnormal dopamine functioning, with both increased and decreased activity present.

Glutamate Dysfunction

Reduced activity of glutamate receptors has been linked to schizophrenia.

Neuroleptics

Antipsychotic medications used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, associated with side effects like sedation and dry mouth.

Cognitive Intervention

Therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cognitive functions such as attention and memory in individuals with schizophrenia.

Social Skills Training

Interventions designed to enhance interpersonal skills and social functioning in those with schizophrenia.