Classification of schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia is classified (the grouping of symptoms into categories) according to symptoms listed in diagnostic manuals- the two main ones used are the ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease, edition 10) and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders, edition 5). According to the DSM, one ‘positive symptom’ needs to be present for atleast a month. According to the ICD, two ‘negative symptoms’ are sufficient. Therefore, there are slight differences with how it is classified.

Positive symptoms: an ‘added’ behaviour or experience. For example, hallucinations are additional sensory experiences such as hearing voices (auditory hallucinations), seeing things that aren’t there (visual hallucinations), or seeing images in a distorted way. Delusions are irrational beliefs, for example delusions of persecution are thoughts that the sufferer is being watched, monitored or controlled by outside forces. Delusions of grandeur involve the belief that the sufferer is an important historical figure. 

Negative symptoms: Refer to a loss of usual functioning. For example, avolition is the reduction of goal-directed activity, manifested as a lack of motivation and drive, making it difficult to go to work, maintain personal hygiene, or get out of bed. Speech poverty (‘alogia’) refers to changes in speech patterns, usually a reduction in the amount and quality of speech. Speech disorganisation involves incoherence and suddenly changing topic mid-sentence.

Reliability & Validity in the diagnosis:

Reliability: This refers to consistency of diagnosis. The extent

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