Nursing 3Rd Semester: Mental Health Exam 2: Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders

Front 1

True or False: Numerous treatment strategies for schizophrenia have been proposed, but none have proved to be uniformly effective or sufficient.

Back 1

true

Front 2

While controversy and debate about schizophrenia continue, two general factors appear to be gaining acceptance among clinicians.
1. Schizophrenia is probably not a homogenous disease entity with a single cause, but results from a variable combination of _____ predisposition, biochemical _____, physiological factors, and psychosocial ___.
2. There is not now and probably never will be a ____ treatment that cures the disorder.

Instead, effective treatment for schizophrenia requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary effort, including pharmacotherapy and various forms of psychosocial care, such as living skills and social skills training, rehabilitation and family therapy.

Back 2

While controversy and debate about schizophrenia continue, two general factors appear to be gaining acceptance among clinicians.
1. Schizophrenia is probably not a homogenous disease entity with a single cause, but results from a variable combination of genetic predisposition, biochemical dysfunction, physiological factors, and psychosocial stress.
2. There is not now and probably never will be a single treatment that cures the disorder.

Front 3

Of all of the mental illnesses that cause suffering in society, schizophrenia probably is responsible for lengthier h_______, greater chaos in ___ life, more excessive ___ to individuals and governments, and more fears than any other. Because schizophrenia is such a threat to life and happiness and because its direct cause is still unknown, it has been studied more than any other mental disorder.

Back 3

Of all of the mental illnesses that cause suffering in society, schizophrenia probably is responsible for lengthier hospitalizations, greater chaos in family life, more excessive costs to individuals and governments, and more fears than any other. Because schizophrenia is such a threat to life and happiness and because its direct cause is still unknown, it has been studied more than any other mental disorder.

Front 4

The potential for ____ is a major concern for patients with schizophrenia and this is the primary cause of premature death among people with the disorder.

When does the disorder typically develop?

Back 4

The potential for suicide is a major concern for patients with schizophrenia and this is the primary cause of premature death among people with the disorder
(About 10% of schizophrenics die this way)

adolescence to early adulthood

Front 5

Schizophrenia causes disturbances in ____ processes, per_____, and a___ which invariably result in severe deterioration of ____ and _____ functioning, significantly impairing the individual's ability to function in daily life, form interpersonal relationships, and maintain employment.

Back 5

Schizophrenia causes disturbances in thought processes, perception, and affect which invariably result in severe deterioration of social and occupational functioning, significantly impairing the individual's ability to function in daily life, form interpersonal relationships, and maintain employment.

Front 6

Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is dis______ of the per______, deterioration in social functioning, and loss of contact with or distortion of ____. There may be evidence of ____ and ____ thinking. Psychosis can occur with or without the presence of ____ impairment.

Back 6

Psychosis is a severe mental condition in which there is disorganization of the personality, deterioration in social functioning, and loss of contact with or distortion of reality. There may be evidence of hallucinations and delusional thinking. Psychosis can occur with or without the presence of organic impairment.

Front 7

Schizophrenia typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but sometimes can develop in middle or late adult life. Some studies have indicated that symptoms of schizophrenia develop earlier in men/women. The pattern of development of schizophrenia involves what 4 phases?

Back 7

Schizophrenia typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but sometimes can develop in middle or late adult life. Some studies have indicated that symptoms of schizophrenia develop earlier in men than women. The pattern of development of schizophrenia involves the 4 phases:
premorbid
prodromal
active psychotic (schizophrenia)
residual

Front 8

The premorbid personality (phase 1- premorbid phase of schizophrenia) often indicates s____ mal________, s___ w______, ir____, and ______ thoughts and behaviors. Traits include being very ___ and w_____, having poor ___ r_______, doing poorly in ____, and demonstrating a_____ behavior. In the typical, but not invariable premorbid history of schizophrenia, pateients had ____ or ____ personalities characterized as q___, passive/aggressive, and introverted/extroverted. As children, they had few/many friends or dates and avoided team sports. They often enjoyed _____ activities and avoided social activities.

Back 8

The premorbid personality (phase 1- premorbid phase of schizophrenia) often indicates social maladjustment, social withdrawal, irritability, and antagonistic thoughts and behaviors. Traits include being very shy and withdrawn, having poor peer relationships, doing poorly in school, and demonstrating antisocial behavior. In the typical, but not invariable premorbid history of schizophrenia, patients had schizotypal or schizoid personalities characterized as quiet, passive, and introverted. As children, they had few friends or dates and avoided team sports. They often enjoyed solitary activities and avoided social activities.

Front 9

The ____ of an illness refers to certain signs and symptoms that precede the characteristic manifestations of the acute, fully developed illness.

Back 9

prodrome

Front 10

Phase II: Prodromal Phase of schizophrenia begins with a change from premorbid functioning and extends wuntil the onset of frank psychotic symptoms. This phase can be as a brief as a few weeks or months, but most studies indicate the average length of the prodromal phase is between __ and ___ years. During the prodromal phase, the person experiences substantial functional impairment and nonspecific symptoms such as ___ disturbance, a____, i____, ____ mood, poor c_______, f____, and behavioral deficits such as deterioration in r___ functioning and social _____. Positive/negative symptoms such as perceptual abnormalities, ideas of reference, and suspiciousness develop late in the prodromal phase and are basically an omen to the imminent onset of ___.


Define catatonic, alogia, and avololition
Recognition of the behaviors associated with the prodromal phase provides an opportunity for early intervention, with a possibility for improvement in long-term outcomes. Current treatment guidelines suggest therapeutic interventions that offer support with identified problems, cognitive therapies to minimize functional impairment, family interventions to improve coping, and involvement with the schools to reduce the possibility of failure. It is still not known for sure whether treating symptoms with antipsychotic medications below the threshold of psychosis is effective at delaying the onset of psychosis.

Back 10

Phase II: Prodromal Phase of schizophrenia begins with a change from premorbid functioning and extends wuntil the onset of frank psychotic symptoms. This phase can be as a brief as a few weeks or months, but most studies indicate the average length of the prodromal phase is between 2 and 5 years. During the prodromal phase, the person experiences substantial functional impairment and nonspecific symptoms such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, poor concentration, fatigue, and behavioral deficits such as deterioration in role functioning and social withdrawal. Positive symptoms such as perceptual abnormalities, ideas of reference, and suspiciousness develop late in the prodromal phase and are basically an omen to the imminent onset of psychosis.

Recognition of the behaviors associated with the prodromal phase provides an opportunity for early intervention, with a possibility for improvement in long-term outcomes. Current treatment guidelines suggest therapeutic interventions that offer support with identified problems, cognitive therapies to minimize functional impairment, family interventions to improve coping, and involvement with the schools to reduce the possibility of failure. It is still not known for sure whether treating symptoms with antipsychotic medications below the threshold of psychosis is effective at delaying the onset of psychosis.