A01

• Classification of schizophrenia is through one of two major systems: the ICD-10 and the DSM-5. The difference between these is that the DSM-5 states there must be at least one positive symptom present whereas the ICD accepts two or more negative symptoms for a diagnosis.
• A +ve symptom refers to any additional experiences beyond normal experience. For example, hallucinations are unusual sensory experiences, which can be auditory or visual in nature, such as hearing voices or seeing people that are not there. Delusions are irrational beliefs that someone may have, such as grandiosity or persecution.
• Negative symptoms involve a loss of usual abilities and experiences. For example, avolition is characterised by the difficulty of keeping up with goal-directed activities as a result of reduced motivation. This may result in poor hygiene and grooming. Speech poverty is a reduction in the amount and quality of speech, such as long pauses between words or one-word responses. 
• Schizophrenia's symptomatology, ranging from hallucinations to motivational deficits, profoundly impacts individuals' lives, necessitating comprehensive diagnosis and classification that is reliable and valid.