Differential consideration
Schizophrenia
F20.xPsychotic Disorders
Why consider it
hallucinations, disorganised thought, negative symptoms, functional decline
Criteria and features to review
- A. ≥2 of: delusions; hallucinations; disorganised speech; grossly disorganised/catatonic behaviour; negative symptoms — ≥1 must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganised speech
- B. ≥1 area of functioning (work, relationships, self-care) markedly below premorbid level
- C. Continuous signs ≥6 months; includes ≥1 month of active-phase symptoms (or less if successfully treated)
- D. Schizoaffective and mood disorders excluded
Questions to clarify
- Which documented criteria and exclusions are met for each possibility?
- What timeline, course, and functional change best distinguishes the alternatives?
- Are substance, medication, medical, developmental, and contextual explanations adequately assessed?