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3 Topics Regarding Schizophrenia

#1  Schneider’s 11 Guidelines for Suspicion of Schizophrenia
In addition to DSM criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia, you may also find Schneider’s Guidelines for Suspicion of Schizophrenia useful as guideline for the elevation of suspicion regarding suspected schizophrenia.  Schneider’s list contains eleven Guidelines for Suspicion of Schizophrenia.  As I list the eleven symptoms, you might consider your schizophrenic client and evaluate him or her for one or more of the following symptoms.

1. Auditory hallucinations in which the voices speak one’s thoughts aloud.
2. Auditory hallucinations with two voices arguing.
3. Auditory hallucinations with the voices commenting on one’s actions.
4. Hallucinations of touch when the bodily sensation is imposed by some external agency.
5. Withdrawal of thoughts from one’s mind.
6. Insertion of thoughts into one’s mind by others.
7. Believing one’s thoughts are being broadcast to others, as in radio or television.
8. Insertion by others of feelings into one’s mind.
9. Insertion by others of irresistible impulses into one’s mind.
10. Feeling that all one’s actions are under the control of others, like an automation.
11. Delusions of perception, as when one is certain that a normal remark has a secret meaning for oneself

As you can see, some of Schneider’s Guidelines for Suspicion of Schizophrenia correlate to DSM criteria. However, studies show that while 75% of schizophrenic clients present Schneider’s symptoms, so do about 25% of manic-depressive clients.  Therefore, Schneider’s list is an informal guide to suspicion, rather than a guideline for diagnosis like the DSM.  Even so, you might consider your diagnostic interview process.  Would you find Schneider’s Guidelines for Suspicion of Schizophrenia a  helpful adjunct the DSM ?

For #2  Symptoms of Schizophrenia and #3  Subtypes of Schizophrenia go to  Schizophrenia Course