Question

What are the 5 domains that comprise the areas of abnormalities assessed when making the diagnosis of Schizophrenia spectrum and other Psychotic Disorders?

Answer 1

The five major domains of abnormality in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders are

1. Delusions.

Delusions are erroneous beliefs that are kept firm and fixed despite clear Contradictory evidences. One may believe in something that is not correct, even though available evidence suggest that his belief is wrong.

2. Hallucinations.

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that a person has without any external stimuli. For example, Such a person might hear someone speaking even though there is no one speaking.

3. Disorganized speech.

The person may show loosened associations or derailment in what he says. The most extreme form is incoherence in speech. The persons may have disorganized thought which he reflects through disorganized speech.

4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour.

The person may disorganized behaviour that is his goal directed behaviour is abrupted and he shows a severe impairment in his routine activities such as work or usual dressing. Catatonia is more severe than this that a person may continue a speechless and motion less posture (catatonic stupor) for a long period of time.

5. Negative symptoms.

Negative symptoms refer to the absence or deficit of the usual behaviours of a person. He may express less emotionally or experience states of blunted affect, alogia, abolition and anhedonia. He may not be able to experience pleasure or happiness and may seem as an emotion less person.