Module 52: Schizophrenia

Chronic schizophrenia

(also called process schizophrenia) a form of schizophrenia in which symptoms usually appear by late adolescence or early adulthood. As people age, psychotic episodes last longer and recovery periods shorten.

Acute schizophrenia

(also called reactive schizophrenia) a form of schizophrenia that can begin at any age, frequently occurs in response to an emotionally traumatic event, and has extended recovery periods.

Biological Influences

-Low glutamate activity -Brain shrinkage -Genetic predispositions -excess dopamine receptors

Environment Influences

-Prenatal virus -Birth complications -Nutritional deprivation -Oxygen Deprivation

What factors contribute to the onset and development of schizophrenia?

Biological factors include abnormalities in brain structure and function, prenatal exposure to a maternal virus, and a genetic predisposition to the disorder. However, a high-risk environment, with many environmental triggers, can increase the odds of developing schizophrenia.

What brain abnormalities are associated with schizophrenia?

People with schizophrenia have increased dopamine receptors, which may intensify brain signals, creating positive symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. Brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia include enlarged, fluid-filled cerebral cavities and corresponding decreases in the cortex. Brain scans reveal abnormal activity in the frontal lobes, thalamus, and amygdala. Interacting malfunctions in multiple brain regions and their connections may produce schizophrenia's symptoms.

What prenatal events are associated with increased risk of developing schizophrenia?

Possible contributing factors include viral infections or famine conditions during the mother's pregnancy; low weight or oxygen deprivation at birth; and maternal diabetes or older paternal age.

How do chronic and acute schizophrenia differ?

Schizophrenia typically strikes during late adolescence, affects men slightly more than women, and seems to occur in all cultures. In chronic (or process) schizophrenia, the disorder develops gradually and recovery is doubtful. In acute (or reactive) schizophrenia, the onset is sudden, in reaction to stress, and the prospects for recovery are brighter.

What patterns of perceiving, thinking, and feeling characterize schizophrenia?

Symptoms of schizophrenia include disturbed perceptions, disorganized thinking and speech, and diminished, inappropriate emotions. Delusions are false beliefs; hallucinations are sensory experiences without sensory stimulation. Schizophrenia symptoms may be positive (the presence of inappropriate behaviors) or negative (the absence of appropriate behaviors).

Do genes influence schizophrenia? What factors may be early warning signs of schizophrenia in children?

Twin and adoption studies indicate that the predisposition to schizophrenia is inherited. Multiple genes probably interact to produce schizophrenia. No environmental causes invariably produce schizophrenia, but environmental events (such as prenatal viruses or maternal stress) may "turn on" genes for this disorder in those who are predisposed to it. Possible early warning signs of later development of schizophrenia include both biological factors (a mother with severe and long-lasting schizophrenia; oxygen deprivation and low weight at birth; separation from parents; short attention span and poor muscle coordination) and psychological factors (disruptive or withdrawn behavior; emotional unpredictability; poor peer relations and solo play).

Delusion:

a false belief, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders

Schizophrenia

a psychological disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and/or diminished, inappropriate emotional expression.

positive symptoms

may experience hallucinations, talk in disorganized and deluded ways, and exhibit inappropriate laughter, tears, or rage.

negative symptoms

may have toneless voices, expressionless faces, or mute and rigid bodies.

A person with schizophrenia who has __________ (positive/negative) symptoms may have an expressionless face and toneless voice. These symptoms are most common with __________ (chronic /acute) schizophrenia and are not likely to respond to drug therapy. Those with __________ (positive/negative) symptoms are likely to experience delusions and to be diagnosed with __________ (chronic /acute) schizophrenia, which is much more likely to respond to drug therapy.

negative; chronic; positive; acute