schizophrenia (CIE Alevel psych)

What is schizophrenia?

A psychotic disorder characterized by a major break from reality, leading to distorted perceptions of the world.

What are the core symptoms of schizophrenia?

Persistent delusions, persistent hallucinations, avolition, flattened affect, impaired cognitive function, and catatonia.

What are persecutory delusions?

Beliefs that one is in danger or being targeted by others.

What are grandiose delusions?

Beliefs that one has special abilities or is exceptionally important.

What is avolition?

A lack of motivation to engage in activities.

What does flattened affect refer to?

Blunted emotional expression.

What is required for a schizophrenia diagnosis?

Symptoms must be persistent for at least one month and not attributable to other conditions.

What is the significance of prodromal symptoms in schizophrenia?

They indicate early signs of the disorder, such as loss of interest and social withdrawal.

What ethical concerns are associated with studying schizophrenia in India?

Stigmatization of mental health disorders may lead to prejudice and lack of support for affected families.

What was the focus of Freeman et al.'s study?

Examining whether neutral avatars could provoke persecutory thoughts in individuals without clinical diagnoses.

What methodology did Freeman et al. use in their study?

A correlational study using both quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews.

What was the mean paranoia score found in Freeman et al.'s study?

31.8, which is relatively low compared to a previous study's mean of 42.7.

What is the relationship between anxiety and persecutory ideation according to Freeman et al.?

Anxiety contributes directly to the development of persecutory ideation.

What are the strengths of using both idiographic and nomothetic approaches in research?

Combining qualitative and quantitative data increases the validity of findings and allows for generalization.

What limitations did Freeman et al.'s study face regarding generalizability?

The small sample size and the use of self-selecting volunteers limit the applicability to the broader population.

What is the significance of ecological validity in VR studies on schizophrenia?

Strong ecological validity is necessary for VR environments to effectively simulate real-world interactions and behaviors.

What are the implications of situational explanations in the development of psychotic symptoms?

Situational factors can influence how individuals process social and physical information, contributing to symptoms.

What ethical considerations arise from deception in psychological studies?

Participants may experience psychological harm if they are not informed about the true nature of the study.

What does the term 'catatonia' refer to in the context of schizophrenia?

A state characterized by a lack of movement or speech.

What role does cultural context play in the presentation of schizophrenia symptoms?

Symptoms may manifest differently based on cultural beliefs and societal attitudes towards mental health.

What is the purpose of the YR-Paranoia questionnaire used in Freeman et al.'s study?

To measure persecutory thoughts and ideas of reference in participants.

How does the study by Aneja et al. contribute to understanding early schizophrenia symptoms?

It provides a detailed case history that highlights prodromal symptoms in a young patient.

What is a significant ethical issue regarding the observation of children in psychological studies?

The potential lack of informed consent and the impact of observation on the child's well-being.

What is the relevance of triangulation in data analysis for psychological research?

It enhances the credibility of findings by using multiple data sources or methods.

What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in monozygotic twins?

42 percent

What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in dizygotic twins?

9 percent

What genetic condition is linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia?

DiGeorge syndrome

What percentage of individuals with DiGeorge syndrome develop schizophrenia?

25 percent

What gene is associated with DiGeorge syndrome and schizophrenia?

COMT gene

What do genome-wide association studies (GWAS) reveal about schizophrenia?

They show that thousands of gene variants are linked to the condition, indicating it is polygenic.

What neurotransmitter is linked to the DISC-1 gene's role in schizophrenia?

GABA

What hypothesis suggests that dopamine dysfunction is a primary cause of schizophrenia?

The dopamine hypothesis

What substance, when administered to rats, produced symptoms similar to schizophrenia?

Amphetamines

What effect do antipsychotic drugs have on dopamine activity in the brain?

They block dopamine activity, reducing hallucinations and delusions.

What is a limitation of twin studies in understanding schizophrenia?

MZ twins may share more similar environments than DZ twins, complicating the interpretation of genetic influence.

What is a criticism of the reductionist approach to biological explanations of schizophrenia?

It oversimplifies the condition by focusing on a single neurotransmitter.

What cognitive error do individuals with schizophrenia often exhibit?

They tend to draw conclusions based on insufficient evidence and show biases against counter-evidence.

How does cognitive theory explain auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia?

Individuals struggle to distinguish between external auditory stimuli and their inner voice.

What is a strength of the dopamine hypothesis in explaining schizophrenia?

There is a wealth of research evidence supporting the role of dopamine dysfunction.

What is the significance of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in schizophrenia research?

It measures cognitive ability and correlates with dopamine receptor binding and symptom severity.

What does the term 'polygenic disorder' mean in the context of schizophrenia?

It means that multiple genes contribute to the risk of developing the disorder.

What does the term 'determinism' imply in the biological explanation of schizophrenia?

It suggests that brain functions determine the symptoms of schizophrenia.

What is the role of environmental factors in the development of schizophrenia?

They may interact with genetic predispositions, influencing the onset and severity of symptoms.

What is a potential benefit of cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia?

It may help individuals manage both positive and negative symptoms effectively.

What is a key finding related to dopamine levels and schizophrenia symptoms?

Decreased binding on prefrontal dopamine receptors correlates with negative symptoms.

What is a limitation of the biological approach to schizophrenia?

It may overlook the complexity of interactions between various neurotransmitters and environmental influences.

What does research suggest about the influence of nurture on schizophrenia?

Nurture can override nature when environmental experiences are carefully managed.

What is the relationship between drug use and the likelihood of developing schizophrenia?

Substances like cocaine can increase the risk of developing the disorder.

What is a common cognitive bias observed in individuals with schizophrenia?

They may maintain abnormal beliefs despite contradictory evidence.

What cognitive difficulties do people with schizophrenia often experience?

They may have difficulties understanding other people's mental states, intentions, and behaviors.

How can beliefs about one's own character affect individuals with schizophrenia?

If a person with schizophrenia believes they are a bad person, they may think others share this belief, leading to negative symptoms like social withdrawal.

What correlation exists between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia?

There is a correlation indicating that many individuals with schizophrenia may also have ASD.

What did Allen et al. (2007) find about voice-hearers with schizophrenia?

They were more likely to misattribute their own spoken words to someone else, indicating different information processing.

What experimental method did Allen et al. (2007) use to study schizophrenia?

Participants listened to pre-recorded words while undergoing an fMRI brain scan to assess brain activity.

What was the outcome of Garety et al. (1991) regarding judgment tasks in schizophrenia?

People with schizophrenia requested fewer beads to be removed before making a judgment and were more likely to change their mind based on a single piece of evidence.

What is a limitation of cognitive explanations for schizophrenia?

Cognitive theories do not explain why some individuals have cognitive deficits while others do not.

What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about schizophrenia?

It suggests that genetic predisposition combined with environmental stressors can lead to the development of schizophrenia symptoms.

What does the term 'individual differences' refer to in the context of schizophrenia?

It refers to the unique cognitive processes that may predispose individuals to develop schizophrenia.

What is one major critique of the cognitive approach to understanding schizophrenia?

It provides a partial account as it does not consider the role of biological and social factors.

How can cultural attitudes influence the experience of schizophrenia?

Cultural beliefs may shape how individuals interpret their symptoms, affecting their distress and coping mechanisms.

What is the significance of situational factors in schizophrenia?

High levels of stress may trigger cognitive overload, leading to a psychotic breakdown in predisposed individuals.

What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches in schizophrenia research?

Idiographic focuses on individual cases, while nomothetic seeks generalizations across larger populations.

What does the term 'misattribution of inner speech' imply in schizophrenia?

It suggests that individuals may confuse their own thoughts with external voices, contributing to hallucinations.

What role do social factors play in the experience of schizophrenia?

Social factors, including stigma and societal attitudes, can significantly impact the well-being of individuals with schizophrenia.

What are negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Negative symptoms include social withdrawal and lack of motivation, often stemming from cognitive deficits.

What is a common misconception about hallucinations in schizophrenia?

That they are solely a sign of illness; in some cultures, they may be viewed positively.

How do cognitive theories explain the development of symptoms in schizophrenia?

They suggest that faulty thinking strategies lead to symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

What did Garety et al. (1991) use to assess cognitive biases in participants?

They used a judgment task involving jars of colored beads to examine decision-making processes.

What is a potential outcome of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia?

They may predispose individuals to psychotic episodes when combined with situational stressors.

What is the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues?

It is crucial for improving the well-being of individuals with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.

What is the idiographic approach in treating schizophrenia?

A method that focuses on individual case studies to reveal key factors correlating with positive long-term outcomes.

What is the trauma-informed approach advocated by Lucy Johnstone?

An approach that emphasizes listening to patients' stories about their life events and interpretations to understand their symptoms.

What is an agonist in the context of neurotransmitters?

A chemical that binds to a receptor and triggers a response in the cell.

What is an antagonist in the context of neurotransmitters?

A substance that blocks or reduces the effect of a neurotransmitter.

How do amphetamines affect dopamine levels?

They act as agonists, preventing the breakdown of dopamine and increasing its levels, which can worsen symptoms in schizophrenia.

What are typical antipsychotics?

Medications developed in the 1950s that reduce positive symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptors without activating them.

What are examples of typical antipsychotics?

Chlorpromazine and Haloperidol.

What are atypical antipsychotics?

Medications developed in the 1980s that block both dopamine and serotonin receptors to balance neurotransmitter levels.

What are examples of atypical antipsychotics?

Clozapine and Risperidone.

What did Zhao et al. (2016) find in their meta-analysis of antipsychotics?

Seventeen drugs had lower relapse rates compared to placebos, indicating the effectiveness of drug treatments.

What is the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP)?

A protocol to assist doctors in prescribing antipsychotics, recommending an atypical drug first and then moving to typical drugs if necessary.

What are common side effects of antipsychotic medications?

Dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, nausea, constipation, and excessive weight gain.

What is tardive dyskinesia?

A side effect of typical antipsychotics characterized by uncontrollable blinking, jerking, and twitching of the face and body.

What serious condition can Clozapine cause?

Agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal blood condition.

What is the relapse rate for people with schizophrenia who stop taking medication?

60-80% experience a return of symptoms without a maintenance dose.

What is the difference between idiographic and nomothetic approaches?

Idiographic focuses on individual cases, while nomothetic seeks generalizations from large sample sizes.

What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

A treatment involving electrical pulses to induce a controlled seizure, used for conditions like schizophrenia.

How is ECT administered in modern practice?

Under general anesthesia with muscle relaxants to prevent injury and memory of the procedure.

What are the typical session frequencies for ECT?

Two to three sessions per week for the first month, followed by monthly or fortnightly maintenance doses.

What is a common misconception about ECT?

That it is a barbaric treatment; modern ECT is administered safely and effectively.

What ethical issues surround the use of unmodified ECT?

It raises concerns about patient safety and consent due to the lack of anesthesia and muscle relaxants.

What is the role of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)?

A tool used to measure relapse and symptoms in schizophrenia, incorporating self-reported data and clinician observations.

What is a limitation of drug treatments for schizophrenia?

They are ineffective for 30-70% of people, and efficacy decreases the longer treatment is delayed.

What is the significance of the first five years of treatment for schizophrenia?

The greatest gains in symptom management are typically made within this period.

What is ECT believed to trigger in the brain?

The release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

What ethical issues arise from the use of unmodified ECT?

The lack of understanding of how ECT works and its potential risks.

What is a significant benefit of ECT for treatment-resistant patients?

It can lead to rapid improvement in symptoms.

What did Petrides et al. (2015) find regarding ECT's effectiveness?

50% of their American sample showed a reduction in symptoms of 40% or more when ECT was combined with clozapine.

What does the study by Melzer-Ribeiro et al. (2017) suggest about ECT's efficacy?

The apparent efficacy of ECT may be influenced by placebo effects.

What cultural differences affect perceptions of ECT?

In high power-distance cultures like China, patients may have higher expectations of ECT benefits.