Schizophrenia and Other Thought Disorders

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, definitions, and treatment approaches for schizophrenia and related thought disorders.

What is the prevalence of schizophrenia in American adults?

Approximately 1.2% of American adults, which is about 3.2 million people.

At what age does schizophrenia commonly onset in men and women?

For men, the peak incidence is 15 to 25 years of age; for women, it is 25 to 35 years of age.

What is the heritability rate of schizophrenia?

79%.

What are key symptoms of schizophrenia?

Altered ability to perceive reality, including bizarre thoughts, perceptual disturbances, inappropriate use of language, and difficulties in emotional experiences.

What is schizoaffective disorder?

A mixture of psychotic and mood symptoms.

What percentage of individuals with schizophrenia also have substance abuse disorders?

More than 50%.

What factors can greatly influence the course of schizophrenia?

Genetic predispositions, brain structure abnormalities, neurochemical theories, and immunovirological factors.

Define Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

Mental disorders that significantly interfere with functioning.

What is anosognosia?

The inability of a person to recognize deficits from the illness that are due to the illness itself.

What are some common co-morbidities associated with schizophrenia?

Depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What treatment approach should be taken for patients with serious persistent mental illness (SPMI)?

Simplify treatment regimens to increase adherence, monitor medication side effects, and provide social skills training.

What are the four main symptom groups of schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms, cognitive symptoms, mood symptoms, and negative symptoms.

What is impulse control in the context of schizophrenia?

Patients may display poor impulse control, leading to bizarre behaviors and actions.

What is the significance of the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

It is the prepsychotic phase where individuals display gradual development of signs and symptoms.

What are first-generation antipsychotics primarily effective for?

Targeting positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Define 'delusions' as per schizophrenia symptoms.

Patterns of fixed, false beliefs that may include grandiosity, paranoia, or religious themes.

How often should long-acting injectable antipsychotics be administered?

Typically every 2-4 weeks or every 3-4 months.