Classification of Schizophrenia

• Define Schizophrenia

  Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder affecting 1% of the population. The typical onset of schizophrenia is early adulthood, with men

  typically being diagnosed at an earlier age than women. People with schizophrenia often experience an impaired reality. There are,

  however, a variety of symptoms. These can be positive or negative.
• what does it mean positive symptoms of schizophrenia

  These refer to additional experiences beyond those of ordinary existence.
• what does it mean negative symptoms of schizophrenia


  These refer to the loss of usual abilities and experiences.
• what are two Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

  Hallucinations and delusions
• what are the two Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

  speech poverty and avolition
• Hallucinations

  • Unusual sensory experiences are common in schizophrenia.
  • Visual hallucinations involve seeing things that aren't there.
  • Auditory hallucinations involve hearing voices that aren't real.
  • Voices often talk to or comment on the person.
  • These voices frequently criticize the sufferer.
• Delusions

  • Irrational beliefs feel real to the person but contradict reality.
  • Schizophrenia can involve paranoid delusions, such as being persecuted by the government or aliens.
  • Delusions of grandeur involve believing one is a significant historical, political, or religious figure.
  • Delusions of control occur when sufferers believe they or a part of them is controlled by an external force.
• Speech poverty in schizophrenia

  limited speech output with limited, often

  repetitive content. This is sometimes accompanied by a delay in

  the sufferer’s verbal responses during conversation.
• Avolition in Schizophrenia

  • Avolition is the difficulty in starting or maintaining goal-directed activities.
  • It results in a lack of motivation to perform tasks.
  • Signs of avolition include poor hygiene, low work/education attendance, and lack of energy.
• What does ‘the classification of schizophrenia’ mean?

  The classification of schizophrenia refers to 1) the process of categorizing schizophrenia as its own unique disorder and 2) distinguishing schizophrenia from other mental disorders. This is achieved by identifying the unique set of symptoms and characteristics people with schizophrenia typically display.
• why the classification of schizophrenia beneficial

  Classifications of mental disorders such as schizophrenia are considered important to allow a psychiatrist to make an accurate and timely

  diagnosis. In turn, they can recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment programmes and support.
• why might the classification of schizophrenia be problematic

  Some have argued that the classification of schizophrenia (and other disorders) could lead to labelling and stigmatization whereby

  individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are viewed negatively and discriminated against. In turn, this can result in long-term problems

  e.g. with regards to gaining employment.
• How is schizophrenia classified?

  The two major systems for the classification of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, are the ICD-10 and the DSM-5. The ICD-10 is

  typically used in most of the world while the DSM-5 is used in the USA. Both of these classification systems differ slightly in their

  classification of schizophrenia.
• The DSM-5

  requires at least two symptoms to be present for a significant portion of time over a one-month period. One of these symptoms must be a positive symptom.
• The ICD-10

  The ICD-10 requires at least one positive symptom OR at least two symptoms (both of which can be negative) to be present for a significant portion of time over a one-month period.
• What is the difference between the DSM-5 and ICD-10 in diagnosing schizophrenia regarding positive symptoms?

  This means that, while a positive symptom is required for diagnosis of schizophrenia using the DSM-5, no positive symptoms are required for the diagnosis of schizophrenia using the ICD-10.