psychiatric disorders
Schizophrenia
Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
Clinical criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition[DSM-5]) Combination of history, symptoms, and signs The earlier the diagnosis is made and treated, the better the outcome. No definitive test for schizophrenia exists. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment of history, symptoms, and signs. Information from collateral sources, such as family members, friends, teachers, and coworkers, is often important. According to the DSM-5, the diagnosis of schizophrenia requires both of the following: ≥2 characteristic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, negative symptoms) for a significant portion of a 6-month period (symptoms must include at least one of the first 3) Prodromal or attenuated signs of illness with social, occupational, or self-care impairments evident for a 6-month period that includes 1 month of active symptoms Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition or to Other mental disorders with similar symptoms include several that are related to schizophrenia: Brief Psychotic Disorder None Delusional Disorder None Schizoaffective Disorder None Schizophreniform Disorder None Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD) None In addition, Overview of Mood Disorders can cause psychosis in some people. Neuropsychologic tests, brain imaging, electroencephalogram, and other tests of brain function (eg, eye-tracking) do not help to distinguish among major psychotic disorders. However, early research ( Diagnosis reference ) suggests that results of such tests can be used to group patients into 3 distinct psychosis biotypes that do not correspond to current clinical diagnostic categories. Certain personality disorders (especially schizotypal) cause symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, although they are usually milder and do not involve psychosis. 1.Clementz BA, Sweeney JA, Hamm JP, et al: Identification of distinct psychosis biotypes using brain-based biomarkers.Am J Psychiatry173(4): 373-384, 2016. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.14091200 