Classification and diagnosis

• Schizophrenia


  Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects approximately 1% of the worlds population and the first onset commonly occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, although it can occur later in life.

  
• What are the 2 classifications of schizophrenia

  ICD-10

  DSM-5
• ICD-10


  In order to be classified as schizophrenic, you should display at least 2 negative symptoms e.g. changing patterns of speech.

  ICD is a Europe classification.
• DSM-5


  In order to be classified as schizophrenic, you should have two or more positive symptoms e.g. hallucinations, for at least a month.
• What is a problem with having 2 classifications of schizophrenia?

  - It lacks consistency between the countries

  - You could be labelled as schizophrenic in one country but not the other.
• Negative symptoms of Schizophrenia

  Negative symptoms reflect loss of previous feelings and abilities. This can include speech poverty and avolition.

  
• Speech poverty


  A negative symptom of schizophrenia in which the amount of speech is greatly reduced and sometimes it can be vague or repetitious.

  
• Avolition


  A negative symptom of schizophrenia where it refers to a decrease in motivation to initiate and perform activities.

  
• What are Andreasen's 3 signs of avolition?

  Poor hygiene

  Lack of persistence

  Lack of energy
• Positive symptoms of Schizophrenia


  Positive symptoms reflect new or unusual forms of thought and behaviour. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and hallucinations.

  
• Delusions


  These are a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Delusions are irrational beliefs that vary in context. Delusions can be paranoid or they can involve inflated beliefs about power and importance.

  
• Hallucinations


  A positive symptom of schizophrenia and are unusual or unexplained sensations which are commonly heard. Auditory hallucinations occur in 50% of people with schizophrenia.

  
• Co-Morbidity


  One limitation is that there is co morbidity with other conditions. This is where two or more conditions or illnesses occur at the same time. This can lead to problems cause problems with the diagnosis of schizophrenia as it is often co-morbid with depression, anxiety and substance use. Thus, causing the diagnosis of schizophrenia to be invalid.

  
• Gender Bias


  One limitation of the classification of Schizophrenia is that it is gender bias. Since the 1980s, men have been diagnosed with schizophrenia more commonly than women, this causes women to be under-diagnosed and not receiving the adequate treatment to benefit them. Therefore, causing women to feel disregarded when it comes to the diagnosis.

  
• Culture bias


  One limitation is that there is culture bias within the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Both the DSM and ICD where developed in the west and may not be valid within collectivist cultures, which can lead to errors in the diagnosis. In collectivist cultures it can be common to hear voices and have hallucinations. This therefore demonstrates that in order to be diagnosed, there should be an understanding of the patients cultural background.