Chapter 12

Schizophrenia Postitive symptoms

(psychosis) are abnormal behaviors that are gained—hallucinations, delusions

Schizophrenia Negative symptoms

(emotional and motivational impairments)
are the result of loss of normal functions—depression, reduced emotional expression.

Schizophrenia is a heritable component

Family, adoptive, and twin studies show a higher incidence among biological relatives.

Changes in the brain

• Enlarged lateral cerebral ventricles
• Cortical abnormalities
-Structure and function of the corpus callosum
-Accelerated cortical thinning

Hypofrontality hypothesis

frontal lobes are underactive in people with schizophrenia, reduced metabolic activity in frontal
lobes.

Tardive dyskinesia

late onset; repetitive, involuntary movements; irreversible; may be due to dopamine receptor supersensitivity

dopamine hypothesis

The idea that schizophrenia results from either excessive levels of synaptic dopamine or excessive postsynaptic sensitivity to dopamine

glutamate hypothesis

The idea that schizophrenia may be caused, in part, by understimulation of glutamate receptors.

Supersensitivity psychosis

marked increase in positive symptoms of schizophrenia upon discontinuation of
antipsychotic drugs

Electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT)

a strong electrical current is passed through the brain, causing a seizure

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS))

alters cortical electrical activity

monoamine oxidase (MAO)

enzyme that inactivates the monoamines: norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain

Bipolar Disorder

characterized by periods of depression alternating with periods of expansive mood

Lithium

increase gray matter in patients’ brains, but its use
must be carefully monitored for toxic side effects of overdose.

Benzodiazepines

They bind to GABA receptors and enhance GABA’s inhibitory actions.

PTSD

People with PTSD have a smaller hippocampus,
which may be a risk factor rather than a consequence.

OCD Symptoms

Dirt, germs, or environmental toxins

Something terrible happening (e.g., fire, death or illness of self or loved one)

Symmetry, order, or exactness

Religious obsessions

Intrusive nonsense sounds, words, or music

Obsession

Thoughts

Compulsion

Acts

Tourettes

A disorder involving heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli that may be accompanied by verbal or physical tics