Diagnosing Schizophrenia
For a psychiatrist to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the patient must have experienced specific symptoms over a defined period of time. An accurate diagnosis also requires the elimination of other medical conditions that could produce similar symptoms. Therefore, the patient should have a complete physical examination, including blood and urine analyses for the presence of commonly abused drugs.
A good psychiatrist will interview the patient and her family, examine the medical records, and consider the patient's history to determine if schizophrenia is the right diagnosis. According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made only if a person meets the following criteria:
At least two of the following five symptoms are evident for thirty days (or less if effectively treated): hallucinations, delusions, negative symptoms, disorganized behavior, or disorganized speech.
Some signs and symptoms of the illness have been present for a minimum of six months.
There must be no indication of bipolar disorder, that is, symptoms of mania alternating with depression.
There must be no other identifiable medical or neurological cause of the symptoms.
The symptoms are not caused by use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.
Instead of a minimum of six months' duration of symptoms, the World Health Organization requires only one month's duration to make the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Alert
An accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia must be made by a qualified psychiatrist. There are many psychiatric and medical conditions that can be easily confused with schizophrenia but have very different causes and outcomes. You, as a relative, acquaintance, or friend cannot make a diagnosis, but you can help your loved one find an effective diagnosis and good medical care.
