Question 1

One positive symptom of schizophrenia is:

Accepted Answer

Catatonia refers to a range of motor abnormalities that can occur in schizophrenia, including immobility, rigidity, and repetitive or purposeless movements. It is considered a positive symptom because it reflects the presence of something that is not typically present in healthy individuals, rather than a deficit or absence of something.

Question 2

Deficits in executive functioning are one example of a(n) _____ impairment often seen in schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

Deficits in executive functioning, which includes abilities such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, are a cognitive impairment commonly observed in individuals with schizophrenia. This type of impairment can affect daily functioning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Question 3

Although many advances have occurred in the treatment of schizophrenia,

Accepted Answer

While there have been advances in the treatment of schizophrenia, the long-term outcome for patients is still quite poor. This is due in part to the nature of the disorder, which can make it difficult for patients to adhere to treatment and maintain stable lives. While some treatments may be effective in reducing symptoms in the short-term, the overall prognosis for schizophrenia remains challenging.

Question 4

Even though various ethnic and racial groups around the world exhibit similar symptoms of schizophrenia, in the United States, ____________ are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder, especially when the diagnosis is based upon clinicians using an unstructured clinical interview.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than other ethnic groups in the United States, particularly when diagnosed through an unstructured clinical interview. This may be due to cultural biases held by clinicians or to differences in symptom expression and interpretation. However, it is important to note that diagnosis should be based on a thorough evaluation of symptoms and history, rather than relying solely on ethnicity or race.

Question 5

The onset of schizophrenia can occur suddenly or take several months/years to fully develop into the disorder. When the latter occurs, a person often proceeds through the following phases (in order)

Accepted Answer

The prodromal phase is the earliest stage of schizophrenia, characterized by the presence of mild symptoms such as social withdrawal, decreased motivation, and mild perceptual disturbances. The acute phase is the stage where the person experiences full-blown positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The residual phase is the period following an active episode where the person experiences a decrease in positive symptoms but may still exhibit negative symptoms such as apathy and lack of motivation. This sequence follows a logical progression of symptoms in chronological order.

Question 6

What is the approximate prevalence rate of schizophrenia in any given culture?

Accepted Answer

The prevalence rate of schizophrenia in any given culture is approximately 1%.

Question 7

The inability to make or follow through on plans is called

Accepted Answer

Avolition is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a lack of motivation or desire to perform purposeful activities, including making plans and following through on them. Anhedonia refers to a lack of pleasure or interest in activities, alogia is a reduction in speech, and affective flattening refers to a lack of emotional expressiveness.

Question 8

One symptom of schizophrenia is the ability to be "posed" in a certain position by another person and remaining in that position until "reposed." This symptom is called

Accepted Answer

Waxy flexibility is a symptom of schizophrenia where the individual's limbs can be positioned by another person and will remain in that position until moved again. This is distinct from catatonia, loose association, and psychomotor retardation, which describe different symptoms or aspects of mental health conditions.

Question 9

Patients with schizophrenia are at high risk for victimization because they frequently live in unsafe conditions and

Accepted Answer

Cognitive impairments, such as problems with attention, memory, and decision making, can make individuals with schizophrenia easy targets for victimization. They may not be able to recognize or respond to potential dangers in their environment, and may struggle to report crimes or seek help afterward. This risk is further increased by factors such as poor living conditions, poverty, and substance abuse, which are commonly associated with schizophrenia.

Question 10

Of the following schizophrenia subtypes, which is characterized by only negative symptoms or previous positive symptoms that have lessened in severity or frequency?

Accepted Answer

The residual subtype of schizophrenia is characterized by the absence of prominent positive symptoms, or the presence of only mild positive symptoms, with the predominant features being negative symptoms or previous positive symptoms that have lessened in severity or frequency. The other subtypes (undifferentiated, catatonic, and disorganized) all have prominent positive symptoms as part of their diagnostic criteria.

Question 11

All of the following psychological disorders commonly co-occur with schizophrenia. Which is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is the most common co-occurring disorder with schizophrenia. Studies show that up to 50% of individuals with schizophrenia experience problems with substance abuse. The use of drugs and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia and increase the risk of relapse. It is important for individuals with schizophrenia to address any issues with substance abuse in order to effectively manage their condition.

Question 12

Treatment of schizophrenia should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear because

Accepted Answer

Delay in treating schizophrenia can result in an increase in the severity of functional impairment, which can lead to long-term disability. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent worsening of symptoms and to improve outcomes. While drug treatments can become less effective over time, early treatment can still be beneficial in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving quality of life. However, there is no guarantee that early treatment will be completely curative, and prompt intervention does not always lead to fewer inpatient hospitalizations.

Question 13

Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

Accepted Answer

Cognitive deficits, including impairments in attention, working memory, and executive function, are some of the earliest signs of schizophrenia and can even appear before the onset of positive symptoms. These deficits can also persist long-term and impact daily functioning. While neuropsychological tests can assess these deficits, they can also be observed in clinical settings through tasks such as decision-making and social interactions.

Question 14

One negative symptom of schizophrenia is:

Accepted Answer

Alogia is characterized by reduced speech output or speech content, making it difficult for individuals to convey their thoughts and feelings to others. This is a common negative symptom of schizophrenia. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms, and catatonia is a motor symptom associated with a lack of response or movement.

Question 15

The____________ hypothesis is a theory that attempts to explain how drugs and/or alcohol can be used in an attempt to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

The self-medication hypothesis proposes that individuals with schizophrenia may turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and alleviate their symptoms. This is typically done without medical supervision and can result in further complications and negative outcomes.

Question 16

Select the statement below that is TRUE of schizophrenia in the U.S.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that rates of diagnosis for schizophrenia vary among ethnic groups in the U.S. African Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia at a lower rate than Caucasian Americans, while Latino Americans have a higher rate of diagnosis. Additionally, some studies have suggested that symptoms of schizophrenia may differ across ethnic groups, with some symptoms being more common in certain groups than others.

Question 17

Negative symptoms refer to the

Accepted Answer

Negative symptoms refer to the absence of behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are present in people who do not have a psychiatric illness. They are often associated with schizophrenia and include apathy, social withdrawal, and flattened affect.

Question 18

The inability to feel joy, happiness, or pleasure is called

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia is the term used to describe the inability to experience pleasure, joy, or happiness. Avolition refers to a lack of motivation, alogia is a decrease in speech or communication, and affective flattening is a reduction in the intensity of emotional expression. While these symptoms are commonly associated with schizophrenia, anhedonia can also be a symptom seen in other mood disorders and psychiatric conditions.

Question 19

The case of Elyn Saks, a college professor described in Real People, Real Disorders, in your text highlights

Accepted Answer

The case of Elyn Saks highlights the manageability of schizophrenia through active control. Despite having schizophrenia, Saks was able to become a successful college professor and advocate for mental health. She attributes her success to a combination of medication, therapy, and active self-management techniques.

Question 20

A child who truly believes that if she steps on a crack she'll break her mother's back exhibits

Accepted Answer

The belief that certain actions or thoughts can cause unrelated events is known as magical thinking. In this case, the child believes that stepping on a crack will cause her mother's back to break, which is an example of magical thinking.

Quiz 10: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders