PSYC3338 Chapter Notes - Chapter NA: Atypical Antipsychotic, Typical Antipsychotic, Antipsychotic
Document Summary
Schizophrenia causes people to lose touch with reality. Strikes in the prime of life just when starting careers/families. Positive symptoms (psychotic behaviors that don"t occur in healthy people, like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking). Negative symptoms (disruptions to normal emotions/behavior, like flat affect, withdrawal from social activities, or lack of pleasure in everyday events). Cognitive symptoms (problems with attention, memory, and decision-making). No lab test for the condition, so diagnosis is through interviews with patients and families. No cure, but positive symptoms can be treated successfully using antipsychotic medications (block brain"s receptors of nt dopamine). First drugs in the 1950s are typical antipsychotics. Drug treatment can have side effects, but works best when combined with therapy and education. Cbt can help people id and ignore delusions/hallucinations. Treatments include counseling for substance abuse (40% of patients). Self-help groups and family education sessions can improve quality of life for both patients and families.
