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Criteria Guide

Schizophrenia DSM Criteria Guide

Use this page when the goal is to focus quickly on the DSM-style structure for Schizophrenia.

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Criterion A

  • Two or more characteristic symptoms are present for a significant part of 1 month, or less if successfully treated.
  • At least one symptom is delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.
  • The characteristic symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms such as diminished emotional expression or avolition.

Criterion B

  • For a significant portion of the time since onset, level of functioning in work, interpersonal relations, or self-care is markedly below the prior level.

Criterion C

  • Continuous signs of disturbance persist for at least 6 months.

Criterion D

  • Schizoaffective disorder and mood disorders with psychotic features have been ruled out appropriately.

Criterion E

  • The disturbance is not attributable to a substance or another medical condition.

Criterion F

  • Functioning in work, interpersonal relations, or self-care is markedly below prior level.
  • If there is a history of autism spectrum disorder or communication disorder of childhood onset, prominent delusions or hallucinations must also be present for at least 1 month.

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