Clinical Diagnosis and Tests for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is not diagnosed solely on the presence of hallucinations or delusions. It requires internationally recognised criteria, combined with clinical interviews, mental status examinations, and supportive tests.

1. Diagnostic Standards

• • DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) – widely used in psychiatry and research.
  • ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) – WHO’s global medical classification system.

Both require:

• • Symptoms lasting at least one month, with functional impairment for six months
  • Presence of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganised thinking
  • Significant impact on work, relationships, or self-care
  • Exclusion of medical conditions or substance-induced psychosis

2. Clinical Diagnostic Process

• • Clinical Interview: Detailed exploration of symptoms, duration, severity, family history, and impact on daily life.
  • Mental Status Examination (MSE): Observation of appearance, behaviour, speech, emotions, thought content, and cognition.
  • Psychometric Scales: PANSS, BPRS, SANS/SAPS to measure severity and track treatment response.
  • Physical Examination and Tests: Blood, urine, and imaging to exclude medical or neurological causes.

3. Importance of Professional Diagnosis

• • Accuracy: Combines clinical expertise with standardised tools.
  • Comprehensiveness: Considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • Safety: Identifies risks such as self-harm or aggression early