Diagnosis information

Schizophrenia

Core diagnostic criteria, specifiers, differential considerations, and documentation support in one open, scan-friendly view.

F20.xPsychotic DisordersLocal clinical reference

Criteria: 6 criteria, A–F
Specifiers: 5 specifiers
Differentials: 7 considerations
Severity specifier: Supported

Core diagnostic criteria

All criteria are shown. No expand controls or hidden sections.

A
Core criterion A
≥2 of: delusions; hallucinations; disorganised speech; grossly disorganised/catatonic behaviour; negative symptoms — ≥1 must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganised speech
B
Core criterion B
≥1 area of functioning (work, relationships, self-care) markedly below premorbid level
C
Core criterion C
Continuous signs ≥6 months; includes ≥1 month of active-phase symptoms (or less if successfully treated)
D
Core criterion D
Schizoaffective and mood disorders excluded
E
Core criterion E
Not attributable to substances or another medical condition
F
Core criterion F
If autism/social communication disorder history, schizophrenia only if prominent delusions/hallucinations ≥1 month

Specifiers

First episode, currently acute / partial remission / full remission: Stage of the initial illness episode.
Multiple episodes, currently acute / partial remission / full remission: Recurrent episodes with varying current status.
Continuous: Symptoms meeting full or partial criteria for most of the illness course.
With catatonia: Catatonic features present.
Severity (Mild / Moderate / Severe): Based on positive/negative symptoms, behavioural disturbance, and functional impairment.

Documentation support

Consistent with [Schizophrenia] [specifier(s)]. Over at least one month (active phase) within a total disturbance duration of at least six months, there have been delusions; hallucinations; disorganised speech; grossly disorganised behaviour; catatonic features; negative symptoms, forming a pattern consistent with a persistent schizophrenia-spectrum illness. The presentation is further characterised by marked social or occupational decline; impaired role functioning; affective flattening or blunting; avolition; cognitive disorganisation, and a course reflecting a chronic or episodic pattern with incomplete remission. These symptoms have resulted in clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or interpersonal functioning over at least six months, including prodromal, active, and residual phases. The condition is not better explained by schizoaffective disorder, mood disorders with psychotic features, substance/medication effects, or primary medical or neurological conditions.

Adapt this supplied template to the assessment. It is not a substitute for diagnostic reasoning or local documentation requirements.

DSM-5 DiagnosisDSM-psy-schizophreniaSupplied local catalogue