Name : Sarmed Ali

REG # : FA20-BCS-017
Subject : Psychology
Teacher : Ashad Ullah

Schizoehrenia Disorder
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and
behaves. It can be a very debilitating condition, but with proper treatment, many people with
schizophrenia can lead full and productive lives.

Criteria for Schizophrenia Diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person
must experience two or more of the following symptoms for a significant portion of a one-month period
(or less if successfully treated) to be diagnosed with schizophrenia:

Delusions: These are false fixed beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, someone with
schizophrenia might believe they are being persecuted by the government or that they have special
powers.

Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of external stimuli. For example,
someone with schizophrenia might hear voices or see things that are not there.

Disorganized speech: This is speech that is difficult to understand because it is illogical, jumping from
topic to topic, or lacking in coherence.

Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior: This can include acting in a bizarre or disruptive way, or
remaining motionless for long periods of time.

Negative symptoms: These are a decrease in normal emotional expressions or a lack of motivation.

Prevalence of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a relatively rare disorder, affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. Men and
women are equally likely to develop schizophrenia, and it typically first appears in late adolescence or
early adulthood.
Differential Diagnosis
There are a number of other conditions that can share some of the same symptoms as schizophrenia, so
it is important to get a comprehensive evaluation from a mental health professional to get an accurate
diagnosis. Some of the conditions that can be confused with schizophrenia include:

Schizoaffective disorder: This is a condition that causes symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood
disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder with psychotic features: This is a form of bipolar disorder in which people experience
episodes of mania or depression along with psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.

Schizophreniform disorder: This is a condition that is very similar to schizophrenia, but the symptoms
have only been present for less than six months.

Brief psychotic disorder: This is a condition that causes sudden and severe psychotic symptoms, such as
delusions or hallucinations, that last for less than a month.

Substance abuse: Some drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can cause psychotic symptoms that
can be mistaken for schizophrenia.

Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as brain tumors or infections, can also cause
psychotic symptoms.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have schizophrenia, it is important to see a
mental health professional for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the long-
term outcome for people with schizophrenia.