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Schizophrenia Characteristics.

TITLE

Outline characteristics of schizophrenia.

ESSAY

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can be categorized into positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms.

Positive Symptoms

1. Delusions 💥 False beliefs that are not based in reality.
2. Hallucinations 💥 Sensory perceptions that are not based in reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
3. Disorganized Speech 💥 Incoherent or fragmented speech that is difficult to follow.

Negative Symptoms

1. Flattened Affect 💥 Lack of emotional expression or emotional responsiveness.
2. Avolition 💥 Lack of motivation or initiative to engage in goal💥directed activities.
3. Poverty of Speech 💥 Decrease in the amount or quality of speech.
4. Social Withdrawal 💥 Avoidance of social interactions and withdrawal from social activities.

Cognitive Symptoms

1. Impaired Memory 💥 Difficulty remembering information or learning new things.
2. Impaired Attention 💥 Difficulty focusing or paying attention to tasks.
3. Impaired Executive Functioning 💥 Difficulty with decision💥making, planning, and problem💥solving.

Other Symptoms

1. Catatonia 💥 Unusual motor behaviors such as repeating movements or holding unusual postures.
2. Alogia 💥 Decrease in the amount of speech or production of speech that lacks meaning.
3. Anhedonia 💥 Inability to experience pleasure from activities that are usually enjoyable.

Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's daily functioning. Understanding the characteristics of schizophrenia is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

SUBJECT

PSYCHOLOGY

LEVEL

A level and AS level

NOTES

Characteristics of schizophrenia:

1. Positive symptoms – delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech.
2. Negative symptoms – flattened affect, avolition, poverty of speech, and social withdrawal.

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