Diagnosis of Schizophrenia:

At the present time, there are no physical or laboratory tests that can absolutely confirm or rule out a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Typically diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist and is based on clinical symptoms.

A summary some characteristic symptoms, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) includes:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech (frequent derailment or incoherence)
• Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms

1. Flat affect (reduced range of emotional expression)
2. Alogia (reduced speech fluency or productivity)
3. Avolition (absence of goal directed behavior)

• Cognitive symptoms (difficulties with concentration and memory).

The above list is only a portion of the lengthy criteria used by professionals in diagnosing schizophrenia. The complete diagnostic criteria is complex and includes numerous and lengthy descriptions of the conditions that must be met for diagnosis.