Physiological Psychology of Schizophrenia Quiz

Schizophrenia Characteristics

• A key characteristic of delusions in schizophrenia is that they are false beliefs that are firmly held despite contradictory evidence.

Onset of Schizophrenia

• Schizophrenia typically has its onset in late adolescence to early adulthood.

Cognitive Deficits

• A core feature of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia is impaired executive function, which includes difficulties with planning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

• For a patient to qualify for a diagnosis of schizophrenia, they must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms.

Age Range of Onset

• The usual onset of schizophrenia symptoms is between 15-25 years old, although it can occur at any age.

Positive Symptoms

• An example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia is a hallucination, which is a sensory experience that occurs in the absence of a corresponding stimulus.

Hallucinations

• The most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia is auditory hallucinations, which involve hearing voices or sounds that are not real.

Disorganized Speech

• A characteristic of disorganized speech in schizophrenic patients is that it may be vague, illogical, or difficult to understand due to loose associations between ideas.

Disorganized Behavior

• A common manifestation of disorganized behavior in schizophrenia is a lack of initiative, resulting in a patient's inability to perform daily tasks or maintain personal hygiene.

Hallucination Research

• The most widely studied type of hallucination in schizophrenia is auditory hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms

• A common characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia is a decrease in emotional expression, resulting in a flat or blunted affect.