Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is described as a group of psychotic disorders in which personal, social and occupational functioning is deteriorated as a result of disturbed thought processes, strange perceptions, unusual emotional states and motor abnormalities. It is a debilitating disorder with tremendous social and psychological costs both to the patients, as well as to their families and society. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be grouped into three categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms and psychomotor symptoms.
A client believes that he is going to be the next Army chief. He shows a significant reduction in his speech and speech content. Identify the symptoms of schizophrenia reflected in his behaviour.
(A) Avolition
(B) Delusion of Grandeur
(C) Alogia
(D) Delusion of Persecution
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B) and (C) only
The client shows two things: a belief that he is going to be the next Army chief, and a reduction in his speech and speech content.
(A) Avolition Incorrect. Avolition is apathy and an inability to start or complete a course of action. Nothing is said about the client failing to act.
(B) Delusion of Grandeur Correct. In delusions of grandeur people believe themselves to be specially empowered persons. A firm belief, without grounds, that he will be the next Army chief is such a delusion.
(C) Alogia Correct. Alogia is poverty of speech, a reduction in speech and speech content, the very words the question uses.
(D) Delusion of Persecution Incorrect. Here a person believes she/he is being plotted against, spied on or victimised. The client fears no one; he expects to rise.
NCERT (2025-26): “…People with schizophrenia may also experience delusions of reference in which they attach special and personal meaning to the actions of others or to objects and events. In delusions of grandeur, people believe themselves to be specially empowered persons…” “…Negative symptoms are ‘pathological deficits’ and include poverty of speech, blunted and flat affect, loss of volition, and social withdrawal. People with schizophrenia show alogia or poverty of speech, i.e. a reduction in speech and speech content. Many people with schizophrenia show less anger, sadness, joy, and other feelings than most people do. Thus they have blunted affect. Some show no emotions at all, a condition known as flat affect. Also patients with schizophrenia experience avolition, or apathy and an inability to start or complete a course of action.…” |