schiz basics

• What is schizophrenia?


  A severe mental disorder affecting thoughts, feelings, and behavior
• How does schizophrenia disrupt a person's life?

  It makes relationships and independent functioning challenging
• What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

  • Hallucinations: Perceiving things not present
  • Delusions: Fixed, false beliefs
  • Disorganized speech: Confused communication
• What are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

  • Flat affect: Lack of emotion
  • Apathy: Loss of interest or motivation
  • Social withdrawal: Avoiding interactions
• What are the three categories of schizophrenia symptoms?

  Positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms
• What are cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Disordered thinking
• If a person hears voices telling them they are important, what symptom are they experiencing?

  Hallucination
• How do positive symptoms differ from negative symptoms in schizophrenia?


  Positive symptoms add behaviors, while negative symptoms remove them
• What genetic factor increases the risk of schizophrenia?

  Family history of schizophrenia
• What brain-related factors contribute to schizophrenia?

  Structural abnormalities and abnormal neuroactivity
• Which neurotransmitters are implicated in schizophrenia symptoms?

  Dopamine and glutamate
• What is required for a schizophrenia diagnosis according to DSM-5?

  At least two key symptoms for one month
• How long must symptoms persist for a schizophrenia diagnosis?

  At least six months
• Why is it important to rule out other conditions when diagnosing schizophrenia?

  To ensure symptoms are not explained by other disorders
• What treatment is commonly used to reduce hallucinations in schizophrenia?

  Antipsychotics
• What role does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) play in treating schizophrenia?


  It helps manage thought patterns and behaviors
• What are the main treatment options for schizophrenia?

  • Medications: Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers
  • Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training
  • Lifestyle changes: Exercise, diet, and stress reduction
• What is an example of integrated treatment for schizophrenia?

  Combining medication with therapy
• How can lifestyle changes benefit individuals with schizophrenia?

  They contribute to overall well-being
• What is an example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

  Hallucination
• What is an example of a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

  Flat affect
• What is an example of a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia?

  Poor memory
• What is the definition of a hallucination?

  A sensory perception without external stimulus
• How do hallucinations differ from delusions?

  Hallucinations are sensory experiences, delusions are false beliefs
• What are the common types of hallucinations?

  • Auditory (hearing voices)
  • Visual (seeing things not present)
  • Tactile (feeling touch without source)
  • Olfactory (smelling nonexistent odors)
  • Gustatory (tasting unusual flavors)
• What type of hallucination involves hearing voices?

  Auditory Hallucination
• What type of hallucination involves seeing things that are not present?

  Visual Hallucination
• What type of hallucination involves feeling touch without a source?

  Tactile Hallucination
• What type of hallucination involves smelling nonexistent odors?

  Olfactory Hallucination
• What type of hallucination involves tasting unusual flavors?

  Gustatory Hallucination
• What are common hallucination experiences in schizophrenia?

  1. Auditory: Hearing critical voices
  2. Visual: Seeing distorted images
  3. Tactile: Feeling sensations on skin
  4. Olfactory: Smelling non-existent odors
  5. Gustatory: Tasting unusual flavors
• If a patient with schizophrenia sees figures that are not there, what type of hallucination is this?

  Visual Hallucination
• If a patient feels insects crawling on their skin without any external stimulus, what type of hallucination is this?

  Tactile Hallucination
• If a patient smells burning odors in a clean room, what type of hallucination is this?

  Olfactory Hallucination
• What are the causes of hallucinations in schizophrenia?

  1. Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition
  2. Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Disturbances in dopamine
  3. Brain Structure Abnormalities: Reduced gray matter
  4. Dysfunctional Sensory Processing: Faulty filtering of sensory information
• What role do neurotransmitter imbalances play in hallucinations?

  They disrupt brain activity, causing sensory perceptions
• What is a common treatment for hallucinations?

  Antipsychotic medications
• What are the treatment strategies for hallucinations?

  • Antipsychotics to reduce dopamine levels
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing triggers
  • Behavioral Activation to engage in activities
  • Psychoeducation to promote coping strategies
• What is the most effective treatment for visual hallucinations?

  Prescribing antipsychotic medications
• How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help with hallucinations?

  It helps identify triggers and replace negative thoughts