Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Schizophrenia

Question 1

Schizophrenia (Criteria Overview)

Answer 1

A. Psychotic symptoms
B. Impaired functioning
C. Duration
D. Differential dx
E. Not due to substances/meds
F. Differential dx from autism spectrum disorders

Question 2

Criterion A (5)

Answer 2

A. 2+ of the following (at least one must be 1, 2, or 3) present for most of the time for at least one month (less if successfully treated)

1. delusions
2. hallucinations
3. disorganized speech
4. disorganized or catatonic behaviour
5. negative symptoms (flat affect, avolition, etc)

Question 3

Criterion B

Answer 3

B. Impaired functioning since onset of disorder (interpersonal relationships, work, self-care, etc.)

Question 4

Criterion C

Answer 4

C. Duration of symptoms is 6+ months with at least 1 month meeting Criterion A; may include prodromal and residual phases which may present only negative symptoms.

Question 5

Criterion D

Answer 5

D. Schizoaffective/depressive/bipolar with psychotic features have been ruled out.

Question 6

Criterion E

Answer 6

E. Not due to substance/meds use

Question 7

Criterion F

Answer 7

F. If Autism Spectrum Disorders/ communication disorders with childhood onset are present, dx of schizophrenia must have prominent hallucination/delusion symptoms for at least one month (less with treatment)

Question 8

Specifiers (9)

Answer 8

• First episode, currently in acute episode
• First episode, currently in partial remission
• First episode, currently in full remission
• Multiple episode, currently in acute episode
• Multiple episode, currently in partial remission
• Multiple episode, currently in full remission
• Continuous (subthreshold periods are very brief)
• Unspecified
• With catatonia