For Schizophrenia, how many symptoms must be present during a 1-month period?

For Schizophrenia, how many symptoms must be present during a 1-month period?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (B)

Schizophrenia diagnosis requires at least two of the five major symptoms to be present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period. One of these two must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. The five symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (like reduced motivation or affect). If only one symptom is present, it does not meet the criteria. The broader duration criterion also notes that signs must be continuous for at least 6 months overall, including prodromal or residual periods. Since two symptoms are the minimum, that’s why the answer is two.

Schizophrenia diagnosis requires at least two of the five major symptoms to be present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period. One of these two must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. The five symptoms are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (like reduced motivation or affect). If only one symptom is present, it does not meet the criteria. The broader duration criterion also notes that signs must be continuous for at least 6 months overall, including prodromal or residual periods. Since two symptoms are the minimum, that’s why the answer is two.