Question 1

Psychotic disorders are characterized by unusual thinking, distorted perceptions, and odd behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder are characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviors. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in their everyday life.

Question 2

Hallucinations are an example of a negative symptom of schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations are actually an example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia, while negative symptoms refer to a decrease or absence of typical behaviours, such as reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.

Question 3

People with schizophrenia often have other psychological disorders as well.

Accepted Answer

It is common for people with schizophrenia to have other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. This is known as comorbidity.

Question 4

"Blunted affect" refers to an inability to experience pleasure.

Accepted Answer

"Blunted affect" actually refers to a reduction in the intensity and range of emotional expression, not an inability to experience pleasure specifically.

Question 5

Loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations and/or delusions, is a distinguishing characteristic of psychosis.

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations and delusions are symptoms that reflect a departure from reality and are therefore defining qualities of psychosis.

Question 6

The account of Elyn Saks that is given in your text demonstrates that some people with schizophrenia are capable of living a meaningful, productive life.

Accepted Answer

The text states "The account of Elyn Saks demonstrates that people with schizophrenia can lead meaningful, productive lives."

Question 7

"Dementia praecox" is a term used to describe the dementia found among the elderly who suffer from schizophrenic disorder.

Accepted Answer

"Dementia praecox" is actually an outdated term that was used in the past to describe what is now known as schizophrenia. It is not specific to the dementia found among elderly individuals with schizophrenia.

Question 8

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are highly resistant to treatment.

Accepted Answer

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy and social withdrawal, are often difficult to treat with current medications and therapies. However, some new treatments such as cognitive remediation therapy and social skills training may show promise in improving these symptoms.

Question 9

"Loose associations" in schizophrenia refers to the patient's inability to maintain close social ties.

Accepted Answer

"Loose associations" in schizophrenia refers to a thought disorder characterized by disorganized thinking and speech, where the patient's thoughts jump from one idea to another, often unrelated or loosely connected. It does not refer to the patient's ability to maintain close social ties.

Question 10

Social skills training has been demonstrated to improve the ______ of persons suffering from schizophrenia despite the chronicity of the disorder.

Accepted Answer

Social skills training has been found to be effective in improving the social functioning of persons with schizophrenia, including their ability to initiate and maintain relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations. It may also help reduce social isolation and improve overall quality of life. While it may not directly impact delusional symptoms or aggression, improved social functioning may have indirect effects on these areas of functioning.

Question 11

A noninvasive technique has been developed to treat the symptoms of several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. This treatment, which stimulates neurons in specific brain regions with a magnetic current, is called ____________.

Accepted Answer

The noninvasive technique that stimulates neurons in specific brain regions with a magnetic current is called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are imaging techniques used for diagnostic purposes. Nuclear magnetic stimulation (NMS) is not a commonly used term in neurostimulation.

Question 12

All individuals who experience hallucinations and/or delusions have a psychotic disorder.

Accepted Answer

While hallucinations and delusions are often associated with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, they can also occur in other conditions such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and drug-induced states. Therefore, it is not always accurate to assume that all individuals who experience these symptoms have a psychotic disorder.

Question 13

Bonita complains of "tasting blood" whenever she watches television. This symptom is an example of an olfactory hallucination in schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

An olfactory hallucination involves a false perception of smell, not taste. Bonita's symptom may be better described as a gustatory hallucination, but regardless, it is not necessarily indicative of schizophrenia as it could have multiple potential causes.

Question 14

Factors that can increase acts of self-harm among people with schizophrenia include previous suicide attempts, drug/alcohol abuse, and fear of mental deterioration.

Accepted Answer

These are all known risk factors for increased rates of self-harm among individuals with schizophrenia. Other factors may include social isolation, lack of social support, and negative symptoms such as apathy and anhedonia.

Question 15

When medication is not entirely effective in treating psychotic symptoms, it may be supplemented with

Accepted Answer

Medication alone may not always be entirely effective in treating psychotic symptoms. However, studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective supplement to medication in managing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. CBT helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their symptoms, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), psychotherapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) are not typically used as supplements to medication for treating psychotic symptoms.

Question 16

Programs that are designed to educate patients and family members about a specific mental disorder in order to help alleviate stress and identify positive coping skills are called

Accepted Answer

Psychoeducation is the process of providing education and support to individuals with mental health conditions and their families to help them understand the condition and develop coping strategies. It is specifically designed to alleviate stress and promote positive coping skills. Choices A and B are specific forms of therapy, and choice C refers to teaching practical life skills.

Question 17

Which statement is TRUE concerning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Accepted Answer

While TMS has been shown to have some positive effects among individuals with schizophrenia, it may not necessarily reduce delusions. A review of studies on TMS and schizophrenia concluded that while some studies showed improvement in positive symptoms (such as hallucinations), others did not show significant effects on delusions. Therefore, statement B is true. The other statements are either false or have limited evidence to support them.

Question 18

Researchers have conclusively demonstrated that people with schizophrenia use drugs and/or alcohol to relieve the already present negative symptoms of the disorder, which confirms the self-medication hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

While some individuals with schizophrenia might use drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate, research has not conclusively demonstrated that this behavior is a universal or primary motivation for substance use in all individuals with schizophrenia. The relationship between schizophrenia and substance use is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including attempts to alleviate symptoms, but also by factors such as social environment, genetic predisposition, and the exacerbation of psychotic symptoms due to substance use.

Question 19

In order to experience psychotic symptoms, an underlying psychiatric illness or medical condition must be present.

Accepted Answer

Psychotic symptoms can occur due to various factors including substance abuse, medication side effects, and stress. While many psychiatric illnesses can cause psychotic symptoms, it is not a requirement for their occurrence. Additionally, medical conditions such as brain tumors or infections can also result in psychotic symptoms.

Question 20

The term schizophrenia refers to the splitting of an individual's personality.

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception, but schizophrenia actually refers to a mental disorder that affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior, not a split personality.

Quiz 10: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders