TERM 1
Delusions
DEFINITION 1
Are fixed beliefs that are not amenable to ch ange in light of conflicting evidence.
Their content may include a variety of theme s (e.g., persecutory, referential,
somatic, religious, grandiose).Delusions are deemed bizarre if they are clearly
implausible and not understandable to same culture peers and do not derive
from ordinary life experiences.EX of a bizarre d elusion: A belief that an outside
force has removed his or her internal organs and replaced them with some else's
without scars.Ex. of a non bizarre delusion: T he belief that one is under
surveillance by the police, despite a lack of c onvincing evidence.-Persecutor y
delusions (i.e., belief that one is going to be harmed, harassed, and so forth by
an individual, organization, or other group). -Referential delusions (i.e., belief
that certain gestures, comments, environme ntal cures, and so forth are directed
at oneself) are also common. -Grandiose delusions (i.e., when an individual
believes that he or she has exceptional abilit ies, wealth, or fame).-Erotomanic
delusions (i.e., when an individual believes falsely that ano ther person is in love
with him or her) are also seen.-Nihilistic D elusions involve the conviction that a
major catastrophe will occur.-Somatic Delusions focus on preoccupations
regarding health and organ function.
TERM 2
Hallucinations
DEFINITION 2
Are perception-like experiences tha t occur without an external
stimulus. They are vivid and clear, wit h the full force and impact of
normal perceptions, and not under vo luntary control. They may
occur in any sensory modality, but au ditory hallucinations are the
most common in schizophrenia and r elated disorders.-Auditory
hallucinations: are usually experienced as voi ces, whether
familiar or unfamiliar, that are perceiv ed as distinct from the
individuals own thoughts. Must occur in a clear sensorium
TERM 3
Disorganized Thinking
(Speech)
DEFINITION 3
Disorganized thinking (formal thought disorder) is typically
inferred from the individuals speech. The individual may
switch from one topic to another (derailment or lose
associations). Answers to questions may be completely
unrelated, incomprehensible and resembles receptive
aphasia in its linguistic disorganization, and must impair
communication.
TERM 4
Grossly Disorganized or Abnormal motor
behavior
DEFINITION 4
May manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from
childlike "silliness" to unpredictable agitation. Problems may
be noted in any form of goal-directed behavior, leading to
difficulties in performing activities of daily living.
TERM 5
Catatonic Behavior
DEFINITION 5
Is a marked decrease in reactivity to the environment. This ranges
from resistance to instructions (nega tivism); to maintaining a
rigid, inappropriate or bizarre posture; t o a complete lack of verbal
and motor response (mutism and stu por). Can also include
purposeless and excessive motor act ivity without obvious cause
(catatonic excitement). Other feat ures include repeated
stereotyped movements, staring, gri macing, mutism, and the
echoing of speech.
