Schizophrenia Spectrum

Schizophrenia is one of the most serious and insidious disorders you may come across as a forensic psychology professional. This is because there is a clear correlation between psychotic symptoms and violent behavior (Goldberg, et. Al, 2010; found in Del Pozzo, et. Al, 2018, p.57).

Additionally, individuals with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders typically have poor insight. Known as anosognosia, this is when an individual has such a lack of awareness that they do not even realize they have a disorder. “Poor insight is a core attribute of schizophrenia, occurring in 57 to 98 percent of patients. Insight is an important outcome predictor, associated with treatment adherence, relapse frequency, symptom remission, psychosocial functioning, vocational attainment, and risk of violence toward self or others” (Lehrer and Lorenz, 2014, p. 1).

For this Discussion, you will examine schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and consider how the symptoms associated with them contribute to criminal behavior. You will then analyze the forensic psychology implications of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and consider how this information may inform your decision-making as a forensic psychology professional.

Define and explain schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders based on the DSM-5 and the scholarly articles found in this week’s Learning Resources.

Explain the driving factors that bring some individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders into contact with the criminal justice system.

Explain the forensic psychological implications of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.