Schizophrenia - Psychology 2e

Learning Objectives

Recognize the essential nature of schizophrenia, avoiding the misconception that it involves a split personality.
Categorize and describe the major symptoms of schizophrenia.
Understand the interplay between genetic, biological, and environmental factors associated with the development of schizophrenia.
Discuss the importance of research examining prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior.
Affects about 1% of the population, typically first diagnosed in early adulthood.
Differences from dissociative identity disorder (split personality) are emphasized.
Classified as a psychotic disorder with impaired thoughts, perceptions, and behavior.

Hallucinations:
- Perceptual experiences without external stimuli.
- Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) are most common.
- Visual and olfactory hallucinations are less common.
Delusions:
- Contrary to reality, firmly held beliefs.
- Types include paranoid, grandiose, thought withdrawal/insertion, and somatic delusions.
Disorganized Thinking:
- Incoherent and disjointed thought processes.
- Exhibited through illogical remarks and tangential responses.
Disorganized/Abnormal Motor Behavior:
- Unusual actions, catatonia, and posturing.
Negative Symptoms:
- Absence of normal behaviors and emotions (e.g., diminished emotional expression, avolition, alogia, asociality, anhedonia).

Genetic Factors:
- Risk increases with genetic relatedness.
- Adoption studies show increased risk with biological relatives over adoptive relatives.
- Diathesis-stress model suggests genetic vulnerability combined with environmental stress.
Neurotransmitters:
- Dopamine hypothesis: Overabundance linked to symptoms.
- Abnormal dopamine levels vary by brain region affecting symptoms differently.
- Serotonin also plays a role; newer medications block serotonin receptors.
Brain Anatomy:
- Enlarged ventricles and reduced gray matter linked to schizophrenia.
- Frontal lobe abnormalities relate to cognitive deficits.
Events During Pregnancy:
- Obstetric complications, influenza exposure, and maternal stress increase risk.
Marijuana Use:
- Linked as a risk factor, potentially disrupting brain development during adolescence.
- Early use increases risk, especially in genetically vulnerable individuals.

Importance of early detection and treatment.
Prodromal symptoms include unusual thoughts, paranoia, and social decline.
Factors predicting psychotic disorders: genetic risk, recent functioning deterioration, and substance abuse.

Case study of Cody Metzker-Madsen highlights the intersection of schizophrenia and legal issues.
Role of forensic psychologists in legal assessments and decisions.
Emphasizes that most people with mental illness are not violent.
Highlights the role of forensic psychology in legal systems and mental health assessments.