Hallucinations are considered a ___ symptom of schizophrenia
positive
define psychopathy
mental disorder especially when marked by egocentric and antisocial activity, a lack of remorse for one’s actions, an absence of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies
define psychosis
- mental state characterized by a profound disturbance in thinking
- difficulty distinguishing between most people’s “reality” and their own perception of the world
- a central feature of schizophrenia, and seen as one of the most debilitating aspects of mental illness
what does psychosis involve
may involve:
- hearing a voice others cannot hear
- believing something that others would think impossible
- difficulty navigating daily life due to these altered perceptions
- Is a part of bipolar disorder, severe forms of depression, schizoaffective disorder (blend of schizophrenia and mood disorders), delusional disorder (delusions similar to schizophrenia but not other typical characteristics)
What is the most common form of hallucinations in schizophrenia
- auditory
What are the 3 categories of symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
- Negative Symptoms
- Symptoms related to “disorganization” (speech/cognition)
explain positive and negative symptoms
- “Positive” and “negative” do not refer to a value/moral judgment
- Positive symptoms: experiencing new or additional mental phenomena
- Negative symptoms: existing behaviours or feelings decline or disappear
define hallucination
- a sensory experience that occurs without any clear stimulus
- most common form of hallucinations in schizophrenia are auditory (hearing sounds
or voices) - Common forms: voices providing running commentary on actions, issuing instructions, insulting or degrading language, personal attacks- but may also be calming/inspiring
Other hallucinations could be seeing things, feeling sensations on the skin (insects), or even smell or taste- or multiple senses
* Although many hallucinations are experienced as frightening or unpleasant, not all people report this- may be comforting (soothing or calming sounds or smells)
define delusion
- holding a belief that most others consider impossible or highly unlikely
- For example: possessing superpowers, being followed by foreign spies
- Delusions are described as being “irrational” or false beliefs, as a person continues to hold them even if presented with evidence to indicate they are untrue
What are some forms delusions cna take?
- persecutory delusion
- grandiose delusion
- delusions related to control
- delusions of reference
explain persecutory delusions
a person believes that others are “out to get them”, or that they are being targeted for mistreatment
explain grandiose delusions
the person believes themselves to be in a position of great power, such as a deity, celebrity, or a head of government
explain delusions related to control
a person may believe that an external force is controlling their thoughts or body, or that thoughts are being implanted or broadcast aloud
explain delusions of reference
believing that they are being communicated with in code (receiving secret hidden messages; e.g., through magazine or politician’s gestures during broadcasted speech)
what are other forms of delusion that are more common or less unusual?
- obsessive beliefs
- erotomanic delusions
- delusions of guilt
- somatic delusions
explain obsessive beliefs
perhaps thinking that partner is having an affair, without evidence
explain erotomanic delusion
believing that a stranger or celebrity is in love with them
explain delusions of guilt
deeply held belief that they have caused harm to others, when
they have not
explain somatic delusions
believing that they have a bodily malfunction or terrible illness, without evidence of this
review delusions:
- Delusions need to be considered in the context of cultural norms, as well as nature of beliefs, and intensity
- Belief that the government is tracking your activities online could be seen as a paranoid or persecutory delusion- but this belief may not be unfounded
- In reality, we have seen evidence of massive surveillance programs involving telecommunications and technology
- Therefore, the evaluation of what constitutes “delusional” belief requires clinical judgment
what is a core component of schizophrenia and what may they include?
- unusual or disorganized speech patterns
These may include:
* Switching topics suddenly and frequently
* Using the same word repeatedly, may be because it holds special meaning to them
* Non-responsive or unproductive answers to questions
review this about negative symptoms
Relate to feelings and behaviours that are described as “deficits” in “normal behaviour” (emotional and affective engagement):
* “blunted affect” – less expressive tone of voice / facial expressions
* Reduced speech with short responses, little elaboration
* Or increased speech, but repetitive, with “poverty of content” (lack of meaningful concepts in their communication)
- These symptoms may be more debilitating and limiting than positive symptoms
◦ Seen as being chronic or persistent (present for years), while positive symptoms are thought to be episodic
give 3 examples of negative symptoms
- avolition
- changes in social behaviour
- anhedonia
explain avolition
lack of drive, difficulty taking initiative to engage in routine tasks (including activities of daily living, eating/bathing)
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