Classification of Schizophrenia

• :( symptom overlap

  > where two or more conditions share similar symptoms e.g. both schizophrenia and depression involve negative symptoms, such as avolition

  > questions the validity and reliability of the classification and diagnosis of schizophrenia because an individual may be diagnosed with the wrong disorder, so may not receive appropriate treatment

  > weakens the validity and reliability in the classification and diagnosis of schizophrenia as it negatively affects accuracy and consistency
• :( co-morbidity

  > where two illnesses/conditions occur at the same time

  > Buckley concluded that 50% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia also have a diagnosis of depression and 23% with OCD

  > questions the validity and reliability of classification and diagnosis of schizophrenia, because two conditions may be better seen as one and doctors may diagnose the wrong condition
• :( gender bias

  > since the 1980s, men have been diagnosed with schizophrenia more often than women

  > this may be because men are more genetically vulnerable to developing schizophrenia than women or it could be because females with schizophrenia typically function better than men, being more likely to work and have good family relationships, so symptoms may be masked (Cotton)

  > questions the validity and reliability as women who share similar symptoms may not receive the same diagnosis