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Hustig & Norrie,
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© 1998 MJA

DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia7

ACharacteristic symptoms: Two or more of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a one-month period:
  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • disorganised speech (eg, frequent derailment or incoherence)
  • grossly disorganised or catatonic behaviour
  • negative symptoms (ie, affective flattening, alogia, or avolition).
NoteOnly one Criterion A symptom is required if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behaviour or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.
B Social/occupational dysfunction: Since the onset of the disturbance, one or more major areas of functioning, such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care, are markedly below the level previously achieved.
C Duration: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six-month period must include at least one month of symptoms (or less if successfully treated) that meet Criterion A.
D Exclusion of schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder with psychotic features.
E Substance/general medical condition exclusion: the disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (eg, a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
F Relationship to a pervasive developmental disorder: If there is a history of autistic disorder or another pervasive development disorder, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also present for at least a month (or less if successfully treated).

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