MHM Magazine

WHEN SCHIZOPHRENIA ALTERS LIVES, THE STORY CAN BE CHANGED Schizophrenia is characterised by 3 core symptoms domains 4 Hallucinations sensing or experiencing things that are not true Delusions false beliefs held by the patient Disorganized thoughts disjointed language or confused behaviour Positive symptoms (acute symptoms) 3,4 Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating disorder with a profound negative impact on patient morbidity, mortality and quality of life 1-3 A logia reduced speech/short answers 3 Blunted A ffect blunted expression of emotion 3 A volition lack of motivation 3 A nhedonia lack of pleasure 3 A sociality social withdrawal 3 Negative symptoms refer to a loss in functioning, involving 5 A’ s: 3,4 R E D C While positive symptoms can be well controlled with current antipsychotic treatment, negative and cognitive symptoms are not 3 Poor executive functioning Trouble focusing Problems with working memory Cognitive symptoms 4 UNMET NEED