ATI Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders And
Psychosis Final Exam Questions with Solutions
Newest 2026-2027 | Already Graded A+
1. When is schizophrenia typically diagnosed?
• ANSWER-between 16 and 30 years of age; earlier onset in biological
males than females
2. According to the DSM-5-TR, how many symptoms must be present for a
diagnosis of schizophrenia, and for how long?
• ANSWER-two or more symptoms for at least 1 month, with continuous
disturbance for at least 6 months
3. What are the five symptom domains included in the DSM-5-TR criteria for
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly
disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (diminished
emotional expression or avolition)
4. In addition to symptom criteria, what functional impairment is required for a
schizophrenia diagnosis?
• ANSWER-impairment in one major area of functioning (self-care, work,
or interpersonal relationships) for an extended period
5. What is the heritability range for schizophrenia based on twin studies?
• ANSWER-60% to 80%
,6. What pregnancy- and birth-related complications increase the risk for
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-hypoxic complications during pregnancy and birth
7. How does increased paternal age affect schizophrenia risk?
• ANSWER-increased paternal age is a possible risk factor for
schizophrenia
8. What prenatal and perinatal adversities may increase schizophrenia risk?
• ANSWER-viral infections, starvation, and stress
9. What nutritional deficiency during gestation may contribute to schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-iron deficiency
10. What brain structural change occurs in adolescence and early adulthood in
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-decrease in gray matter volume
11. What does decreased gray matter volume lead to in schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-neural communication impairments and development of
cognitive deficits
12. List six autoimmune diseases with a known link to schizophrenia.
• ANSWER-celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, Graves' disease, psoriasis, Guillain-Barré syndrome,
hepatitis
, 13. What hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormality is seen in
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-dysregulation leading to increased cortisol production
14. How does HPA axis dysregulation affect dopamine neurotransmission?
• ANSWER-increased dopamine neurotransmission at D2 receptors
throughout the brain
15. What effect does chronic stress or elevated glucocorticoids have on the
hippocampus?
• ANSWER-degeneration of hippocampal dendrites
16. What percentage of persons with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of
violence compared to the general population?
• ANSWER-14 times more likely
17. True or false: Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia are significantly more
dangerous to others than the general population.
• ANSWER-false; they are no more dangerous than anyone else
18. What social factor can worsen psychotic manifestations such as paranoia?
• ANSWER-social isolation from others
19. Why might persons with schizophrenia be undercounted in epidemiological
studies?
• ANSWER-lack of permanent address; may reside in prison, institutions,
or be unhoused
Psychosis Final Exam Questions with Solutions
Newest 2026-2027 | Already Graded A+
1. When is schizophrenia typically diagnosed?
• ANSWER-between 16 and 30 years of age; earlier onset in biological
males than females
2. According to the DSM-5-TR, how many symptoms must be present for a
diagnosis of schizophrenia, and for how long?
• ANSWER-two or more symptoms for at least 1 month, with continuous
disturbance for at least 6 months
3. What are the five symptom domains included in the DSM-5-TR criteria for
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly
disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (diminished
emotional expression or avolition)
4. In addition to symptom criteria, what functional impairment is required for a
schizophrenia diagnosis?
• ANSWER-impairment in one major area of functioning (self-care, work,
or interpersonal relationships) for an extended period
5. What is the heritability range for schizophrenia based on twin studies?
• ANSWER-60% to 80%
,6. What pregnancy- and birth-related complications increase the risk for
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-hypoxic complications during pregnancy and birth
7. How does increased paternal age affect schizophrenia risk?
• ANSWER-increased paternal age is a possible risk factor for
schizophrenia
8. What prenatal and perinatal adversities may increase schizophrenia risk?
• ANSWER-viral infections, starvation, and stress
9. What nutritional deficiency during gestation may contribute to schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-iron deficiency
10. What brain structural change occurs in adolescence and early adulthood in
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-decrease in gray matter volume
11. What does decreased gray matter volume lead to in schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-neural communication impairments and development of
cognitive deficits
12. List six autoimmune diseases with a known link to schizophrenia.
• ANSWER-celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, Graves' disease, psoriasis, Guillain-Barré syndrome,
hepatitis
, 13. What hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormality is seen in
schizophrenia?
• ANSWER-dysregulation leading to increased cortisol production
14. How does HPA axis dysregulation affect dopamine neurotransmission?
• ANSWER-increased dopamine neurotransmission at D2 receptors
throughout the brain
15. What effect does chronic stress or elevated glucocorticoids have on the
hippocampus?
• ANSWER-degeneration of hippocampal dendrites
16. What percentage of persons with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of
violence compared to the general population?
• ANSWER-14 times more likely
17. True or false: Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia are significantly more
dangerous to others than the general population.
• ANSWER-false; they are no more dangerous than anyone else
18. What social factor can worsen psychotic manifestations such as paranoia?
• ANSWER-social isolation from others
19. Why might persons with schizophrenia be undercounted in epidemiological
studies?
• ANSWER-lack of permanent address; may reside in prison, institutions,
or be unhoused
