Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

For individuals with schizophrenia, what factors are linked to the poorest prognosis?

1. Female gender, younger age, predominant negative symptoms

2. Female gender, older age, predominant positive symptoms

3. Male gender, younger age, predominant negative symptoms

4. Male gender, older age, predominant positive symptoms

The correct answer is: Male gender, younger age, predominant negative symptoms

The choice highlighting male gender, younger age, and predominant negative symptoms correctly identifies factors associated with the poorest prognosis in individuals with schizophrenia. Research indicates that schizophrenia typically presents earlier in males than in females, with onset often occurring in late adolescence or early adulthood. This earlier onset is generally linked to more severe outcomes, likely due to a combination of social and biological factors impacting the progression of the illness. Younger individuals often have less developed coping mechanisms and support systems, which can exacerbate the challenges they face. Moreover, negative symptoms, such as apathy, anhedonia, and social withdrawal, are often more debilitating than positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) and tend to persist longer. A predominance of negative symptoms can lead to significant impairments in functioning and quality of life, contributing to a poorer overall prognosis. In contrast, the other options include factors such as female gender, either older age or predominant positive symptoms, which are generally associated with better outcomes for schizophrenia. Women tend to have a later onset and may experience a milder course of the illness, and those with predominant positive symptoms often respond better to treatment than those with negative symptoms. Thus, the correct combination of male gender, younger age, and predominant negative symptoms signifies a