Schizophrenia is a disorder characterised by the individual losing touch with reality. Under the DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia requires two or more identified symptoms to be present for a one month period to be diagnosed.
Positive symptoms that occur in excess of normal functions such as delusions which are bizarre beliefs that are not real, including inflated beliefs about ones own power and importance. Experience of control; include the individual believes they are being controlled by an external force such as God, aliens or spirits that have invaded their mind. Hallucinations; include bizarre unreal perceptions of the environment e.g. hearing voices. Disordered thinking; is thoughts being inserted or withdrawn from ones mind. In some cases a person may think their thoughts are being broadcast to others.
Negative symptoms are those that reflect a diminution or loss of normal functions including affective flattening; a reduced range and intensity in expressing emotions e.g. facial expressions and tone of voice. Alogia is speech that is not fluent or productive with sparse relies or there is a lack of speech. This is believed to show a blocked or slowed down thought process. Avolition is 'poverty of will' or a lack of drive or motivation to pursue meaningful goals or socialise. The person may be confused and show disinterest.
In addition to this one of the symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations or disordered speech which must persist for 6 months for a diagnosis.
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