Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Positive symptoms are those that are present in someone with schizophrenia that someone without schizophrenia or another mental health condition would not experience.

Delusions

False beliefs that don’t make sense in context to a person’s culture. Obsessive quality.

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences that have no basis in the external world.  Fully awake and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (auditory, visual, tactile).

Disorganized speech

Words are linked together based on sound, rhyme, puns, or free association.

Disorganized behaviour

Not goal-directed. Laughing inappropriately. Adopting strange postures or freezing (catatonic behaviours).

Which of these symptoms are present in Olivia?

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The person is experiencing an absence or reduction of certain traits that are often present in healthier individuals. Feels like something is being taken away or disappearing.

• Flattened affect
• Anhedonia
• Reduced speech
• Lack of initiative

Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Cognitive symptoms are not used to diagnose schizophrenia because of how common they are

Cognitive symptoms include:

• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Memory problems
• Difficulty planning and structuring activities
• Lack of insight

Let’s talk about Dopamine

Neurotransmitter is the chemical messenger in the brain. “Reward center” in the brain

Plays a role in:

• Memory
• Movement
• Motivation
• Mood
• Attention

Dopaminergic Pathways

• Mesolimbic pathway (positive symptoms)
• Mesocortical pathway (negative symptoms)
• Nigrostriatal pathway (extrapyramidal symptoms & tardive dyskinesia)
• Tuberoinfundibular pathway (hyperprolactinemia)

Treatment and Self Help

Tip 1:  Get involved in treatment & self-help

• Accept your diagnosis
• Don’t buy into the stigma of schizophrenia
• Communicate with your doctor
• Pursue self-help & therapy that helps you manage your symptoms
• Set and work towards the goal

Tip 2:  Get active

• Aim for 30 minutes per day
• Rhythmic exercise that uses both arms and legs
• Focus on how your body feels as you move

Tip 3:  Seek fact-to-face support

• Turn to trusted friends & family
• Stay involved with others
• Meet new people
• Find a supportive living environment
• Take advantage of support services

Tip 4:  Manage Stress

• Know your limits
• Use relaxation techniques
• Manage your emotions

Tip 5:  Take care of yourself

• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid alcohol & drugs
• Eat healthy, balanced diet

Tip 6:  Understand the role of medication

• Medication is not a cure
• Only treats some of the symptoms
• Don’t put up with disabling side effects