Schizophrenia Revision Summary

Introduction

• This is a revision summary of key points on schizophrenia.
• For detailed explanations, refer to longer videos or use the Psych Boost app.
• The app and additional resources, including tutorial support, are available on Patreon.

Classification of Schizophrenia

• Diagnostic criteria require at least two symptoms to be present for a month according to DSMI.
• Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions.
• Negative Symptoms: Avolition, speech poverty.

Reliability and Validity

• Reliability: Inter-rater and test-retest reliability issues.
• Validity: Questions about true diagnosis and symptom overlap with other disorders.

Co-morbidity and Bias

• Co-morbidity: High rates with depression, drug abuse, PTSD, and OCD.
• Gender Bias: Underdiagnosis in women.
• Culture Bias: Overdiagnosis in African-Caribbean individuals in the UK.

Biological Explanations

• Genetic Factors: Polygenetic nature, higher concordance in twins.
• Neurotransmitter Theories: Dopamine hypothesis, involvement of glutamate.
• Brain Structure: Enlarged ventricles associated with schizophrenia.

Psychological Explanations

• Family Dysfunction: Influence of family relationships.
• Cognitive Deficits: Dysfunctional thought processes leading to symptoms.

Biological Treatments

• Antipsychotics: Typical and atypical, with different side effect profiles.
• Effectiveness: Drug treatments are effective, especially when combined with psychological therapies.

Psychological Treatments

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses dysfunctional thought processes.
• Family Therapy: Improves family dynamics to reduce relapse.
• Token Economies: Used in managing behavior in institutional settings.

Interactionist Approach

• Combines biological and psychological explanations and treatments.
• Diathesis-Stress Model: Interaction of genetic vulnerability and environmental triggers.
• Treatment Efficacy: Combined approaches are more effective than individual treatments.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on combined treatment approaches for effective management.
• Resources like the Psych Boost app and Patreon provide additional support and learning opportunities.