Understanding Schizophrenia: Causes and Symptoms

Mar 2, 2025

Schizophrenia Pathophysiology and Symptoms

Overview

  • Schizophrenia: Characterized by an abnormal and scattered pattern of thinking lasting 6 months or more.
  • Impact: Affects relationships, school, and work due to inability to concentrate.
  • Memory Aid:
    • 3 S's:
      • Schizophrenia
      • Scattered pattern of thinking
      • Suicide risk (high)

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Genetics: Major role; children of parents with schizophrenia are more likely to develop it.
  • Dopamine: Caused by a decrease in dopamine within the brain.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Varies by patient but categorized into three main groups:
    1. Positive Symptoms (Psychotic symptoms)
    2. Negative Symptoms (Emotional withdrawal)
    3. Cognitive Symptoms (Memory and learning difficulties)

Positive Symptoms

  • Hallucinations:

    • Types:
      • Auditory: Hearing voices/sounds not present. Recommended interventions include using earphones or listening to music.
      • Tactile: Sensations of being touched.

  • Delusions:

    • Types:
      • Reference: Belief songs or shows have personal messages.
      • Control: Beliefs like the internet is used by FBI for control.
      • Grandeur: Believing in having important meetings with significant figures.
      • Persecutory/Paranoid: Belief in being poisoned or attacked.

  • Disorganized Thought and Speech:

    1. Loose Associations: Rapid shifts in thought without logical connections.
    2. Neologisms: Creating imaginary words.
    3. Clang Associations: Rhyming words with no logical meaning.
    4. Word Salad: Random word mixes without coherent meaning.
    5. Concrete Thinking: Literal interpretation of sayings or expressions.
    6. Tangentiality: Talking about unrelated topics.

Negative Symptoms

  • Lack of Emotion: Absence of facial expressions and emotional responses.

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Understanding Difficulties: Challenges in understanding and learning new information.

Conclusion

  • Action Items:
    • Quiz: Ensure understanding through quizzes.
    • Study Guides: Download for further study.
    • Sharing: Encourage sharing the learning materials with classmates and instructors.