Schizophrenia is characterized by at least 2 of the following symptoms, for at least one month:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
• Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms (e.g., a "flattening" of one's emotions, alogia, avolition; see below)

(Only one symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.)

For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset (or when the onset is in childhood or adolescence, failure to achieve expected level of interpersonal, academic, or occupational achievement).

Schizoaffective Disorder and Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features have been considered as alternative explanations for the symptoms and have been ruled out. The disturbance must also not be due to the direct physiological effects of use or abuse of a substance (e.g., alcohol, drugs, medications) or a general medical condition.

If there is a history of Autistic Disorder or another Pervasive Developmental Disorder, the additional diagnosis of Schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least a month (or less if successfully treated).

Different Types of Schizophrenia:

Paranoid schizophrenia a person feels extremely suspicious, persecuted, grandiose, or experiences a combination of these emotions.

Disorganized schizophrenia a person is often incoherent but may not have delusions.

Catatonic schizophrenia a person is withdrawn, mute, negative and often assumes very unusual postures.

Residual schizophrenia a person is no longer delusion or hallucinating, but has no motivation or interest in life. These symptoms can be most devastating.

Positive Symptoms	Negative Symptoms
Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized thinking Agitation	Lack of drive or initiative Social withdrawal Apathy Emotional unresponsiveness

Schizophrenia Table of Contents

• An Introduction to Schizophrenia
• Symptoms of Schizophrenia
• Types of Schizophrenia
• Causes of Schizophrenia
• An Introduction to the Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Getting Help for Schizophrenia
• More Online Resources

 

 

Criteria summarized from:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Last reviewed:
  On 7 Sep 2006
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.