Clinical 12 final
Chapter 12: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
1. Schizophrenia Overview
Presents a spectrum of symptoms that often coalesce into distinctive features. It is believed to be multiple disorders with overlapping characteristics.
2. Symptoms Categories
2.1 Positive Symptoms
Characteristics: Excesses of thought, emotion, and behavior, including delusions and hallucinations.
Delusions: Firmly held false beliefs (persecution, reference, grandeur).
Disorganized Thinking: Tangential speech, loose associations may complicate communication.
2.2 Negative Symptoms
Characteristics: Deficits of thought, emotion, and behavior, like lack of motivation and emotional flatness.
Symptoms include poverty of speech, social withdrawal, and blunted affect.
3. Cognitive and Psychomotor Symptoms
Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty with memory attention and processing, common in schizophrenia patients.
Psychomotor Symptoms: Abnormal movement patterns ranging from agitation to catatonia.
4. Course of Schizophrenia
Typically emerges in late teens to mid-thirties with three phases:
Prodromal: Subtle changes and withdrawal.
Active Phase: Clear symptoms manifest.
Residual Phase: Symptoms decrease but some negative symptoms persist.
5. Theoretical Perspectives on Schizophrenia
5.1 Biological Influences
Genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter imbalances (particularly dopamine), and brain structure anomalies contribute to schizophrenia.
5.2 Psychological Views
Historical theories suggest dysfunctional family environments or parenting styles may trigger symptoms in vulnerable individuals.
6. Treatment Options
Antipsychotic Medications: Primarily dopamine antagonists, with both first and second-generation options available, offering relief from symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family interventions, and community-based approaches operate alongside pharmacological treatments to enhance functioning and reduce relapse risk.