Psychosis Overview and Symptoms

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What term describes the abrupt and disconnected movement from one idea to another in thought disorder?

Random association

Cognitive fragmentation

Thought blocking

Knight's move (correct)

Which factor is NOT considered a risk factor for developing psychosis?

Trauma

Cannabis use in adolescence

High socioeconomic status (correct)

Family history

What is a significant disadvantage of diagnosing schizophrenia?

Communicates necessary treatment options

Potential for increased hope

Honesty in patient assessment

May induce denial and flight from treatment (correct)

What percentage of the community population is reported to experience a psychotic symptom in the last year?

5-10% Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT described as a part of the prodromal phase leading up to schizophrenia?

Severe hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional and behavioral disturbance associated with thought disorder?

Emotional detachment Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia?

0.75-1% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of 'word salad'?

Systematic logical progression Signup and view all the answers

What defines a delusion in the context of psychosis?

A belief held strongly despite contradicting evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hallucinations?

They are easily distinguished from real perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

In which condition are passivity experiences commonly observed?

Schizophrenia Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of psychotic symptoms?

They can occur in isolation without a major diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

Why are delusions considered difficult to challenge?

They are held for reasons that are challenging to comprehend. Signup and view all the answers

Hallucinations can manifest in various forms. Which form is NOT one of them?

Emotional Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates a belief in being controlled by an external force?

Passivity experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is true about disturbances to thinking and speech in psychosis?

They can occur even when hallucinations are not present. Signup and view all the answers

What typically replaces clarity during a transition to mania?

Overwhelming confusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common psychotic symptom associated with mania?

Increased memory function Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might indicate severe recklessness in someone experiencing mania?

Jumping from buildings Signup and view all the answers

How often do psychotic symptoms occur in individuals with mania?

Frequently, in about 2/3 of cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is a sign of social disinhibition in mania?

Excessive spending Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Auditory hallucinations in the third person Signup and view all the answers

What is typically noted in individuals experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia?

Disorganized behavior and deterioration in social functioning Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia?

Loss of emotional reactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is categorized under first rank symptoms associated with schizophrenia?

Delusional perception Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is considered a form of psychosis but not schizophrenia?

Post-natal psychosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common environmental component observed in negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Isolation from social activities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is often seen in patients with a prodrome of schizophrenia?

Poorer prognosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely to be a mistaken assumption about psychotic symptoms?

They are always linked to drug-induced causes Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall suicide risk rate for individuals with depression compared to the general population?

Approximately 20 times greater Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can worsen the prognosis of bipolar disorder?

Early onset Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with bipolar disorder may remain significantly unwell between episodes?

10-20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the likelihood of children developing bipolar disorder if a parent has the condition?

15-20% Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with psychosis?

High energy Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological risk factor may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder?

Rigid black/white thinking Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the passivity experiences associated with psychosis?

Breakdown of boundaries between self and outside world Signup and view all the answers

Which event is commonly associated with the onset of bipolar disorder in women?

Childbirth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter implicated in the positive symptoms of psychosis?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What type of therapies should be offered to service users experiencing psychosis?

Psychoeducation and support Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom types are unlikely to improve with antipsychotic treatment?

Negative symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis?

To collaborate in re-evaluating reasoning and experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of antipsychotic medication?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychosis does the mesolimbic system mainly contribute to?

Reward and motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant result of antipsychotic medication in treating psychosis?

Reduced positive symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about psychological interventions in psychosis is true?

Peer support can be delivered through unpaid forms. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to clarity during the transition to mania?

Clarity is replaced by overwhelming confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychotic symptom associated with mania?

Grandiose delusions tied to elevated mood. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral sign indicates severe recklessness in an individual experiencing mania?

Jumping from buildings due to a belief in invulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

What is often replaced by friends' supportive humor during a manic episode?

Irritability and fear. Signup and view all the answers

How frequently do psychotic symptoms occur in individuals with mania?

In about 2/3 of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prominent characteristic of thought disorder in individuals with schizophrenia?

Fragmentation of thought and speech Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is associated with an increased likelihood of developing psychosis?

Early cannabis use during adolescence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential advantage of diagnosing schizophrenia?

Clarification of symptom severity to the patient Signup and view all the answers

What describes the prodromal phase prior to the onset of schizophrenia?

Withdrawal and loss of motivation Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage associated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Induces denial and resistance to treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best differentiates 'word salad' from other thought disorder symptoms?

Complete lack of meaningful connection between thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly contributes to the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia?

Family history of psychotic disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern regarding the diagnostic instability of schizophrenia?

Current diagnostic criteria may not reflect future understandings Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological treatment aims to reduce the risk of relapse by managing family dynamics in psychotic patients?

Family Therapy Signup and view all the answers

What serious condition is characterized by fever, confusion, and muscle rigidity, as well as breakdown and unstable pulse?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical side effect of raised prolactin levels due to antipsychotic medications?

Breast engorgement and lactation Signup and view all the answers

Which therapy approach encourages involvement of the whole family during a psychotic crisis?

Open Dialogue approach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common characteristic of a family environment that increases the risk of relapse?

High expressed emotion, hostility, or criticism Signup and view all the answers

What is an immediate need for someone experiencing acute and severe mental health problems?

Immediate assessment and management of risks Signup and view all the answers

What conditions could potentially cause psychosis that should be assessed?

Inflammatory conditions and infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that makes home management of acute psychosis feasible?

High levels of self-neglect Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of good psychosis care?

Collaboration and multidisciplinarity Signup and view all the answers

What medication is typically recommended for individuals experiencing acute psychosis?

Antipsychotics Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a potential harm to individuals with psychosis?

High risk of being victims of crime Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the treatment for individuals in their first episode of psychosis?

Can involve crisis resolution teams for home treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when determining the treatment setting for someone with acute psychosis?

Degree of risk and need for supervision Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly considered as the first choice for managing acute mania in the UK?

Antipsychotics Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of long-term management and relapse prevention for individuals with bipolar disorder?

Self care and self management Signup and view all the answers

What treatment options are available for bipolar depression?

CBT and complex drug options Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of bipolar women experience a manic or depressive episode during pregnancy?

Approximately 33% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is important when prescribing medications to women with bipolar disorder during breastfeeding?

Consider potential harm to the child Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome of effective long-term management for bipolar disorder?

Increased independence and self-efficacy Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is NOT commonly considered for a bipolar patient's care planning meeting?

Maintenance use of stimulants Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is crucial in the management of mixed episodes in bipolar disorder?

Avoidance of stress and substance use Signup and view all the answers

What is the median age of first diagnosis for Bipolar I disorder?

Early 20s Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes hypomania?

Persistent elevation of mood with decreased need for sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of mania in individuals experiencing an episode?

Flight of ideas and rapid speech Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is defined as Bipolar II disorder?

Hypomania and depression without full-blown mania Signup and view all the answers

During a hypomanic episode, individuals may experience all of the following except:

Complete disconnection from reality Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the onset of bipolar disorder typically have on social life?

May interfere with work and social life but routines continue Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically associated with the manic phase of bipolar disorder?

Grandiose ideas and loss of inhibitions Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a common symptom of mixed episodes in bipolar disorder?

Severe lethargy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychosis

Umbrella term for conditions and symptoms where people perceive and interpret reality differently from those around them.
Psychotic symptoms can include delusions and hallucinations.
These symptoms can occur independently or as part of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and some dementias.
Symptoms may be experienced with an episode, like early psychosis or acute psychotic episodes, covering a range of conditions.

Main Symptoms: Delusions

Preoccupying and subjectively important.
Difficult to understand the reason behind them.
Usually, though not always false (except in DSM V claims they're always false beliefs).
Understandable in the context of the person's religion, culture, or subculture (important to check).
Challenging or refuting the belief may not be easy.

Main Symptoms: Hallucinations

Perceptions without an external stimulus.
Can involve auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory (smell), or gustatory (taste) senses.
Can be normal in some situations (e.g bereavement, when falling asleep).

Schizophrenia

A clinical picture involves emotional and social detachment, solitary behaviour, and mild cognitive and emotional problems during childhood.
A prodrome phase, lasting months to years before acute symptoms, may occur. This includes loss of motivation, social withdrawal, and a decline in performance with attenuated psychotic symptoms (misperceptions, illusions, and unusual ideas).
Negative symptoms, often observed after acute episodes, include loss of drive/determination, interest in people, and emotional reactivity.
Positive symptoms, present for at least a month, may include:
- Passivity experiences (feeling controlled by an outside force).
- Auditory hallucinations (voices talking about or to the person).
- Delusional perceptions (real perceptions with attached delusions).
- Psychotic symptoms with flattening or incongruity of affect (disassociated responses to information).
- Hallucinations (reality bizarreness).
Other symptoms include grandiose delusions, ideas of reference, and disorganized thinking and speech("word salad").
The risk of suicide is often higher in the depressed state.
Early onset is associated with poorer prognosis (worse outcomes).
Coexisting conditions, such as drug or alcohol problems, anxiety, or a personality disorder, worsen the prognosis.

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic depressive illness.
Characterized by episodes of depression and elevated mood, often interspersed with stable mood.
Episodes of mania include elevated mood, increased energy, activity, sociability, wellbeing feelings (but can be stressful as well).
Depression symptoms are similar to other depressive conditions.
Common symptoms during mania include elevated mood, severe speech pressure, rapid/uninterruptible flow of thoughts,vivid perceptions, new ventures, and overspending.
Other symptoms include:
- Flight of ideas (rapid jumping between topics).
- Pressure of speech, uninterruptible.
- Very disrupted sleep, even sleepless nights.
- Restlessness and agitation.
- Grandiose ideas.
- Irritability and aggression (occasionally).
Bipolar Disorder may present as Mania + Psychotic symptoms:
- Psychotic symptoms frequently occur.
- Symptoms may include grandiose delusions, passivity experiences, and hallucinations.
The transition to mania often involves rapid shifts in thinking and mood, possibly to extreme levels before calm returns.

Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

Family history plays a significant role.
Life events can trigger episodes.
Early onset is frequently associated with poorer prognosis and co-morbid conditions (drug/alcohol abuse, anxiety, personality disorders).
Social deprivation and urban environments may be associated (though more research is needed).
Trauma (childhood or adult)
Birth trauma, winter birth
Substance (esp. cannabis) use can be a risk factor, particularly in adolescence.

Treatment for Psychosis & Bipolar

Treatment approaches often consider the need for maintaining physical health (e.g., attention to diet), and collaborative care with family and community.
Interventions and treatments for both range from medication (e.g., antipsychotics), to various forms of therapy to support self-care, and management plans.
Psychological support (e.g., CBT), peer support, medication, and family support are important aspects of treatment, along with risk management.
Early interventions are crucial in preventing severe or protracted illness.

Other Important Notes

There are other psychotic disorders.
Some psychotic symptoms can appear without a formal psychotic diagnosis.
Several different psychological interventions exist including art/music therapy, and third wave CBT.
Family therapy can be effective in supporting individuals with both psychosis and bipolar disorder (high expressed emotions can increase risk of relapse).
Psychoeducation (for patients and families) plays an important role in helping manage symptoms and to improve individual coping strategies.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the complex world of psychosis, an umbrella term for various mental health conditions where reality perception differs significantly. This quiz delves into the key symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, and their implications in disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.