व्हाट आर दी टेस्ट्स एंड डायग्नोसिस फॉर शिजोफ्रेनिया ?

First of all your mental health provider has to rule our other mental health disorders that might be contributing the ongoing symptoms .These may include substance abuse ,medication or a medical condition .For this, besides collecting the medical and psychiatric histories of the patient a battery of medical and psychological tests are conducted after physical examination of the patient .
This may include a complete blood count ,other tests that may help to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as screening for alcohol and drugs ,and imaging studies ,such as MRI and CT scan .
Psychological status of the patient can be evaluated by a clinical psychologist who will assess manner or behavior of the patient especially as it reflects on character (characteristic symptoms )such as thoughts ,moods ,delusions ,hallucinations ,substance abuse and potential for violence or suicide .
Ruling out other mental health disorders and confirming that symptoms are not due to substance abuse ,medication or a medical condition the diagnosed person must have at least two of the common symptoms of the disorder -
(1)Delusions .
(2)Hallucinations .
(3)Disorganized speech .
(4)Disorganized or catatonic behavior .
(5)Presence of negative symptoms for a significant amount of time during one month .
Not able to work, attend school ,office ,perform daily tasks .
Have had these symptoms for at least six months .
These are the criteria spelled out in the "Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)published by American Psychiatric Association .
(cont....)
CATATONIC:Catatonic is a state of inertia or apparent stupor often associated with schizophrenia ,characterized by rigidity of the muscles .This condition is called catatonia .