Mental health

What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia based on duration of symptoms?

Two or more of the following for at least 1 month: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior, negative symptoms; continuous signs for at least 6 months.

What are the main differences between 1st generation and 2nd generation antipsychotics?

1st generation antipsychotics primarily block D2 receptors; 2nd generation blocks both D2 and serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors.

What are the four types of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)?

Acute Dystonia, Akathisia, Pseudoparkinsonism, and Tardive Dyskinesia.

What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?

A medical emergency characterized by fever, autonomic instability, rigidity, and altered mental status due to antipsychotic medications.

What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Behaviors or experiences added to the person's baseline such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Behaviors or functions removed from the person, including flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia, inattention, and asociality.

What is the nursing intervention priority in response to command hallucinations?

Always assess what the voices are telling the patient and ensure their immediate safety.

What is clozapine and why is it significant?

Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but requires strict monitoring for agranulocytosis.

What is the most common trigger for relapse in schizophrenia?

Medication non-adherence.

What are cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Impaired working memory, poor attention, concrete thinking, executive function deficits, and slow processing speed.