Classification and Symptoms

Question 1

What are the two classifications for schizophrenia?

Answer 1

1) ICD-11 (UK)
2) DSM-5 (USA)

Question 2

What is the ICD-11?

Answer 2

Two or more negative symptoms for a month or longer e.g. avolition or speech poverty. Recognises subtypes of schizophrenia e.g. paranoid schizophrenia

Question 3

What is the DSM-5?

Answer 3

One positive symptom must be present for at least a month e.g. hallucinations and delusions. Does not categories schizophrenia into subtypes

Question 4

State and explain the positive symptoms

Answer 4

1) Hallucinations - Unusual sensory experiences that have no basis in reality, they affect sense. E.g. auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) or visual hallucinations (seeing objects)

2) Delusions - Irrational beliefs that has no basis in reality that make people behave in a way that makes sense to them but bizarre to others. Delusions of persecution - a false belief you are being harassed e.g. by the government. Delusions of control - false belief you are being controlled by something external e.g. aliens

Question 5

State and explain the negative symptoms

Answer 5

1) Avolition - severe loss of motivation to carry out everyday tasks and difficulty to begin or keep up with goals. Includes poor hygiene, lack of persistence in work/education and lack of energy

2) Speech poverty - reduction in the amount and quality of speech. such as delay or lack of fluency in conversation.