Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Schizophrenia causes vary and may include environmental, genetic, and psychological factors. To diagnose schizophrenia, a healthcare provider usually relies on information from the affected individual, their family members, and friends to obtain physical, mental, familial, socioeconomic, and education history.

The life and background of individuals help to diagnose schizophrenia. Some laboratory tests like Complete Blood Cell Counts (CBC), Liver function Test (LFT), Kidney Function Tests (KFT), and imaging techniques like CT Scan and MRI are carried out to rule out other medical conditions which may present with the same symptoms. Schizophrenia symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and depression are also observed for diagnosis.

The next step is psychological evaluation using a battery of schizophrenia tests. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders, DSM-IV, published by the American Psychiatric Association is used for diagnosis. The presence of other mental disorders and symptoms due to drug abuse are first ruled out in people with schizophrenia. To diagnose schizophrenia, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• At least two of the symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized activities, or negative symptoms for a long duration, should be present.

• Inability to work, go to school, or perform daily tasks.

• The symptoms must be present for more than six months.

For more information on schizophrenia, see below:

Schizophrenia: Top 5 Symptoms

Schizophrenia: Top 5 Drugs that Work

Schizophrenia: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment

Schizophrenia: Latest Medical Breakthroughs

Schizophrenia: How Your Diet Plays a Role