Health Conditions

Doctors use the following criteria to diagnose schizophrenia. If you notice any of these symptoms, call a doctor promptly.

A. Symptoms*: For a significant portion of at least 1 month, the individual must show two or more of the following:

1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech
4. Disorganized or catatonic behavior
5. Lack of pleasure in acts that are normally pleasurable; lack of will or motivation; lack of emotions

*Note: If delusions are bizarre, if hallucinations consist of a voice keeping a running commentary of the person's behavior, or if hallucinations consist of two or more voices having a conversation with each other, then a diagnosis can be made based on any of these alone.

B. Social and occupational dysfunction: For a significant proportion of the time since the onset of the disorder, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, self-care, or interpersonal relationships are significantly below the level prior to onset.

C. Duration: Continuous signs of the mental illness for at least 6 months--this must include at least 1 month of the symptoms fulfilling Criterion A above (unless the individual has been successfully treated). This 6-month time frame may include the period of time before the psychotic episode when the individual starts acting peculiar and the period of time following the psychotic episode when the individual may experience lingering symptoms.

D. Other mood disorders have been excluded from the diagnosis.

E. The disorder is not due to substance abuse or a general medical condition.

F. If a history of a persistent developmental disorder such as autism is present, the additional diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least 1 month.

These criteria are adapted from: Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. In: Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). Washington DC, American Psychiatric Association. 1994: 273-290.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.