Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Prevalence, and Treatment PDF

***CHAPTER 14, PSYCHOSIS (CONT.)*** **Other Psychotic Disorders:** - [Schizophreniform disorder:] schizophrenia symptoms between 1 and 6 months. - [Schizoaffective disorder]: schizophrenia Criterion A met along with a mood episode (depressed mood or mania). - [Delusional disorder]:...

***CHAPTER 14, PSYCHOSIS (CONT.)*** **Other Psychotic Disorders:** - [Schizophreniform disorder:] schizophrenia symptoms between 1 and 6 months. - [Schizoaffective disorder]: schizophrenia Criterion A met along with a mood episode (depressed mood or mania). - [Delusional disorder]: persistent belief contrary to reality; no other characteristics of schizophrenia. - Erotomania, grandiose, jealous, persecutors, somatic types (bizarre beliefs about the body) - [Brief psychotic disorder:] 1+ positive symptoms lasting less than one month. - [Schizotypal personality disorder]: less severe schizophrenia symptoms. - The experience of schizophrenia symptoms, in a less severe form.   **Prevalence of Schizophrenia:** - 0.2% to 1.5% in general population, 1.3% of Canadians over age 15 have received diagnosis. - Less than average life expectancy - 10 years less on average - Due to avolition - lack of hygiene, self care, eating. - Due to suicide - Generally chronic, impairs day-to-day activities. - Genders affected at same rates - High rate of suicide and attempts - Onset in males around 15-25, onset in females around 25-30.   **Development**: - Age of onset: symptoms can begin early. - Prodromal stage: unusual behaviours before serious symtoms occurs. - Takes 2-10 years for person at high risk (hiding symtoms symptoms, paranoia). - Relapse possible and common even after early treatment. - [Illusions]: feeling of the presence of another living thing, despite being alone. - [Ideas of reference:] sense of self-reference in otherwise neutral events in one\'s immediate environment.   **Genetic Influences:** - Multiple gene variances combine to produce vulnerability. - Family studies: - 48% if your identical twin has it (100% shared genes) - 17% with fraternal twins - Hidden Valley Road - true story of family of 12 kids, 6 of which has schizophrenia. - One of the first families to be studied by the National Institute of Mental Health, with their DNA samples and experiences forming the cornerstone of research for the disease in the mid 1990s.   **Genetic Influences:** - [Gene-environment interactions:] - Genes may act as vulnerability factors. - Interacts with specific environmental pathogens at crucial developmental states. - Leading to development of schizophrenia. - Substances, such as cannabis, may trigger the development of the disorder if someone has a genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia.   **Psychological and Social Influences:** - [Stress] - Stress can precipitate psychosis and relapse. - Sociogenic hypothesis: tendency for people with schizophrenia to be found in lower social classes. - Social selection hypothesis: individuals with schizophrenia may experience a downward social drift into the lower social classes.   **Biological Interventions:** - [Neuroleptics]: dopamine antagonists - Help people think more clearly - Reduce/eliminate delusions and hallucinations - Effective for 60-70% of people - New antipsychotics (clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine) - Have fewer side effects (TD or tardive dyskinesia - involuntary body movements) - Reduce positive and negative symtoms - Improve cognitive functioning.   **Psychosocial Interventions:** - Behavioural family therapy: must be ongoing if patients and families are to benefit from it. - Early intervention - CBT for symptoms of delusions and depression