SCHIZOPHRENIA EXAM PRO
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Outline token economies as a method used in the management of schizophrenia. -
ANSWER-• Outline of token economies - awarding of 'tokens' when patients with
schizophrenia show desirable behaviour. Tokens can be exchanged later for eg
sweets
• Based on Skinnerian operant conditioning principles
• Used for behavioural shaping and management so that patients in long stay
hospitals are easier to manage
Evaluate token economies as a method used in the management of schizophrenia. -
ANSWER-• Evidence suggests token economies can be effective in improving
behaviour in psychiatric hospitals
• Token economies do not address symptoms of schizophrenia, so they are not a
'treatment'
• Not effective with unresponsive patients eg with negative symptoms
• Ethical issues - treats patients as lab rats
Outline one negative symptom of schizophrenia - ANSWER-• Speech poverty refers
to limited speech output with limited, often repetitive content.
• Avolition refers to a lack of purposeful, willed behaviour
Two years ago Jenny was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She has been taking a
typical antipsychotic drug and there have been improvements in her positive
symptoms. However she still suffers negative symptoms and side effects. Her
psychiatrist wants to change her medication from typical antipsychotics to one of the
atypical antipsychotics and has also suggested cognitive behavioural therapy.
With reference to the item above, explain why Jenny's psychiatrist wants to move her
on to one of the atypical antipsychotics. - ANSWER-• Atypical antipsychotics have
been shown to be more effective against negative symptoms
• Typical antipsychotics (such as chlorpromazine) are liable to produce movement
side effects, sometimes resembling Parkinson's disease.
• They mainly affect dopamine pathways
• Atypical antipsychotics are less liable to produce movement side effects; they have
less action on the dopamine system, and instead affect a wide range of
neurotransmitter systems
Briefly explain one advantage of cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of
schizophrenia. - ANSWER-• Allows patient to take some responsibility for own
treatment
• Enhances effectiveness in other areas of life
• Research supports its effectiveness alongside drug therapy
• Effectiveness can be long term/ongoing
Briefly discuss two limitations of the family dysfunction explanation for schizophrenia.
- ANSWER-• ethical problems - parents feel responsible for their child's illness
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Outline token economies as a method used in the management of schizophrenia. -
ANSWER-• Outline of token economies - awarding of 'tokens' when patients with
schizophrenia show desirable behaviour. Tokens can be exchanged later for eg
sweets
• Based on Skinnerian operant conditioning principles
• Used for behavioural shaping and management so that patients in long stay
hospitals are easier to manage
Evaluate token economies as a method used in the management of schizophrenia. -
ANSWER-• Evidence suggests token economies can be effective in improving
behaviour in psychiatric hospitals
• Token economies do not address symptoms of schizophrenia, so they are not a
'treatment'
• Not effective with unresponsive patients eg with negative symptoms
• Ethical issues - treats patients as lab rats
Outline one negative symptom of schizophrenia - ANSWER-• Speech poverty refers
to limited speech output with limited, often repetitive content.
• Avolition refers to a lack of purposeful, willed behaviour
Two years ago Jenny was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She has been taking a
typical antipsychotic drug and there have been improvements in her positive
symptoms. However she still suffers negative symptoms and side effects. Her
psychiatrist wants to change her medication from typical antipsychotics to one of the
atypical antipsychotics and has also suggested cognitive behavioural therapy.
With reference to the item above, explain why Jenny's psychiatrist wants to move her
on to one of the atypical antipsychotics. - ANSWER-• Atypical antipsychotics have
been shown to be more effective against negative symptoms
• Typical antipsychotics (such as chlorpromazine) are liable to produce movement
side effects, sometimes resembling Parkinson's disease.
• They mainly affect dopamine pathways
• Atypical antipsychotics are less liable to produce movement side effects; they have
less action on the dopamine system, and instead affect a wide range of
neurotransmitter systems
Briefly explain one advantage of cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of
schizophrenia. - ANSWER-• Allows patient to take some responsibility for own
treatment
• Enhances effectiveness in other areas of life
• Research supports its effectiveness alongside drug therapy
• Effectiveness can be long term/ongoing
Briefly discuss two limitations of the family dysfunction explanation for schizophrenia.
- ANSWER-• ethical problems - parents feel responsible for their child's illness
