3.2.1 diagnosing schizophrenia

Question 1

What are the two types of classification systems for mental disorders

Answer 1

ICD and DSM

Question 2

How are the 2 systems similar for diagnosing schizophrenia

Answer 2

both requiring persistence of symptoms for at least 1 month

Question 3

How are the 2 systems different for diagnosing schizophrenia

Answer 3

DSM has more specific diagnostic criteria and so requires at least 2 or more of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and catatonic behaviour. whereas the ICD takes a broader approach to diagnosis, simply stating that “the clinical picture is dominated by relatively stable, often paranoid delusions, usually accompanied by hallucinations”