Schizophrenia Features of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a psychosis – a separation from reality. About 1% of the population suffer, and schizophrenia can cause a 10(+) years reduction in life expectancy (health problems/high suicide rate). Tends to be diagnosed in adolescence up to 30 (Duerr (2013) adolescents with Sch are nearly 70 x more likely to attempt suicide) More likely in poorer/unemployed/homeless. Males = more neg symptoms and longer duration Only 20% will respond well to treatment

Types of Schizophrenia Paranoid: Suspicious of others, delusions of grandeur, hallucinations Disorganised: speech is disorganised and hard to follow, inappropriate moods, no hallucinations Catatonic: withdrawn, isolated, very little physical movement, may assume unusual body positions Schizoaffective: a mixture of schizophrenia and an affective disorder such as depression Residual: Low level positive symptoms, still psychotic symptoms Undifferentiated: Does not fit into any of the 5 categories

Symptoms of Schizophrenia Positive Symptoms (Type 1) Delusions (grandiose, persecutory, referential) Hallucinations (auditory, visual) Disorganised speech/thinking Abnormal motor behaviour Catatonia   Negative Symptoms (Type 2) Lack of energy Poverty of speech Poor motivation Social withdrawal Avolition Lack of emotional expression