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Diagnosing schizophrenia can be difficult, and it might take a long time.1
The reasons it can take a while to diagnose include:
There’s no test |
There is no single test for schizophrenia – diagnosis takes account of lots of different things2 |
It might be something else |
Schizophrenia can look like other conditions (like bipolar disorder or use of certain drugs) so doctors need to rule out these things first2,3 |
You feel fine |
Some people with schizophrenia feel there’s nothing wrong, and that they don’t need to see a healthcare professional2,3 |
Common teen behaviour |
In teenagers, schizophrenia symptoms can look like common teen behaviour changes, such as sleep problems or a drop in school grades3 |
You don’t trust anyone |
Some people with schizophrenia have trouble trusting people, and may worry that others are trying to harm them in some way. This means that they might not talk about everything they’ve been thinking or feeling.4,5 |
Quick facts
Most people with schizophrenia have their first symptoms between the ages of 15 and 356
Most people with schizophrenia have their first symptoms between the ages of 15 and 356
REFERENCES:
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Chen Y, et al. Patterns of symptoms before a diagnosis of first episode psychosis: a latent class analysis of UK primary care electronic health records. BMC Medicine 2019;17:227
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NHS. Schizophrenia: Diagnosis. Available at:https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis/ Last accessed: March 2022
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National Alliance of Mental Illness. Schizophrenia. Available at:https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia Last accessed: April 2022
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Pyschosis and schizophrenia; Diagnosis. Available at:https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/psychosis-schizophrenia/diagnosis/identifying-someone-at-risk-of-a-psychotic-disorder-or-experiencing-their-first-episode-of-psychosis/ Last accessed: April 2022.
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Very Well Mind. Paranoia as a symptom of schizophrenia. Available at:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-paranoid-schizophrenia-4155331 Last accessed: April 2022.
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Royal College of Psychiatrists. Schizophrenia leaflet. Available at:https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/schizophrenia Last accessed: April 2022.
