Classification of schizophrenia

• > in the ICD-11 two or more negative symptoms, for one month or longer, are sufficient for diagnosis

  > In the DSM-5 one positive symptom must be present, for at least one month, for diagnosis

  > The ICD-11 recognises subtypes of schizophrenia eg. paranoid schizophrenia
• Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

  > An additional experience beyond those of ordinary existence

  > Hallucinations - unusual sensory experiences that have no basis in reality. For example auditory hallucinations or visual hallucinations

  > Delusions - Irrational/ false beliefs that have no basis in reality, they can make people with schizophrenia behave in ways that make sense to them but seem bizarre to others

  • Delusions of persecution
  • Delusions of control
• Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

  > A loss of usual abilities and experiences

  > Avolition - severe loss of motivation to carry out everyday tasks and difficulty to begin or keep up with goal-directed activity

  • Andreason identified 3 signs of avolition: poor hygiene and grooming, lack of persistence in work or education and lack of energy

  > Speech poverty - reduction in the amount and quality of speech, sometimes accompanied by a delay in the sufferers verbal responses during conversation or a lack of fluency