SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

This paper intends to explore the DSM IV-TR diagnosis categories of Schizophrenia. In addition to this legal and ethical issues are also discussed regarding the licensed professions in the field of abnormal psychology.

The criteria for DSM IV-TR

According to the DSM, a diagnosis of schizophrenia involves:

(A) Characteristic symptoms: Two or more of the following, each in stock for most of the period of one month (or less if treatment is interrupted)

Delusions

Hallucinations

Disorganized speech (eg frequent slippage or inconsistency, the abstract content of speech). See the thought disorder.

Highly disorganized (eg, inappropriate choice of clothing, frequent crying) or catatonic behavior

Negative symptoms, including ...