Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
About 1 in every 100 people are diagnosed with schizophrenia
Defined by abnormalities in one or more of the following
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized Thinking
Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
Negative Symptoms
Delusions
Referential Delusions- belief that certain gestures, comments, environmental cues, etc are directed at oneself
Delusions of Grandeur- special powers, very important
Erotomania delusions- falsely believing another person is in love with them
Nihilistic delusion- conviction that a major catastrophe will occur
Somatic delusions- preoccupations with health
Delusions of Persecution- Someone is out to get you
Disturbed Perceptions
Hallucinations- sensory experiences without sensory stimulation
Disorganized Thinking (or speech)
The thinking of a person with Schizophrenia is fragmented and bizarre and distorted with false beliefs
Disorganized thinking comes from a breakdown in selective attention- they cannot filter out information
Disorganized or Abnormal Behavior
- Catatonia: decreased reactivity in environment
- Excessive motor activity
- Silliness or childlike behavior or unpredictable agitation
Negative Symptoms
Negative Symptoms- Absence of appropriate behavior
Diminished emotional expression
Decreased motivation in self-initiated purposeful interactions
Decreased ability to experience pleasure
Lack of interest in social interaction