ATI Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders And
Psychosis Final Exam Questions And Answers
Practice Questions with Solutions Newest 2026-
2027 | Already Graded A+
when is schizophrenia typically diagnosed?: - ANSWER--when
a client is between 16 and 30 years old
-it is more prevalent and appears earlier in biologically male
clients than biologically female clients
diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on the DSM-5-TR criteria,
which states: - ANSWER--2 or more symptoms must be present
for a period of 1 month or longer with signs of continuous
disturbance for at least 6 months
-clinical manifestation criteria are based on the presence of the
following:
-delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly
disorganized or catatonic behavior and negative symptoms
(diminished emotional expression or avolition)
-in addition, the client must be impaired in one area of major
functioning, such as self-care, work, and or interpersonal
relationships for an extended period
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when caring for clients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder
or psychosis, consider the following: - ANSWER--persons
diagnosed with schizophrenia can lead productive lives when
treatment and support are available and sustainable
-bias & preconceptions about schizophrenia often result in
widespread avoidance of persons with these disorders which can
result in limited health care access, under diagnosis, and under
treatment
-social isolation from others increases manifestations of
psychosis, such as paranoia and negative thoughts
-they are no more dangerous than anyone else; persons
diagnosed with schizophrenia are 14 times more likely to be
victims of crime or violence than the greater population
-persons with schizophrenia may be undercounted due to a lack
of permanent address, as they may reside in prison, in an
institution, or have no housing
risk factors and etiology of schizophrenia: - ANSWER--
although the cause of schizophrenia is unknown, research
suggests several risk factors may contribute to the development
of the disease
-risk factors include: genetics and physiological, biochemical, &
environmental factors
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Genetics of Schizophrenia - ANSWER--genetics is a risk factor
-genetic components are best understood as inherited factors that
suggest a vulnerability for the individual to develop the disorder
(diathesis)
-the genetic component for developing schizophrenia is also
evident in studies with twins
-studies consistently show that twins have a heritability of
schizophrenia of around 60% to 80%
complications associated with _____ and ____ increase the risk
for schizophrenia - ANSWER--Complications associated with
pregnancy and births with hypoxic complications increase the
risk for schizophrenia. Increased paternal age is also a possible
risk factor
-Prenatal and perinatal adversities, including viral infections,
starvation, and stress, may increase the risk for schizophrenia
-iron deficiency during gestation may contribute to
schizophrenia
in schizophrenia, what is decreased in the brain that influences
the structure and function of the brain & what does it lead to : -
ANSWER--there is a decrease in gray matter volume in
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adolescence and early adulthood that influences both the
structure and function of the brain.
-This leads to neural communication impairments and the
development of cognitive deficits
autoimmune diseases with a known link for schizophrenia
include: - ANSWER-celiac disease
-multiple sclerosis
-systemic lupus erythematosus
- Graves' disease
-psoriasis
-Guillain-Barré syndrome
-hepatitis.
physical alterations in the brain that plays a role in the
development of schizophrenia includes: - ANSWER--
dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which
involves the production of cortisol, a stress hormone produced
by the adrenal glands. This leads to increased dopamine
neurotransmission of the D2 receptors throughout the brain.
Studies have also found that chronic stress or glucocorticoid
levels result in the degeneration of hippocampal dendrites