DSM-5: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

The DSM-5 says that Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders are "defined by abnormalities in one or more of the following five domains: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior (including catatonia), and negative symptoms".

Delusions: Are fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence. May include several themes:persecutory, referential, somatic, religious, grandiose.

Hallucinations: Perception-like experiences that occur without an external stimulus. They are vivid and clear, with the full force and impact of normal perceptions, and not under voluntary control.

Disorganized Thinking: typically inferred from the individual's speech. The individual may switch from one topic to another.

Grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior: Manifests itself in a variety of ways, ranging from childlike "silliness" to unpredictable agitation. Problems may be noted in any form of goal-directed behavior, leading to difficulties in performing activities of daily living. 

Negative Systems: Account for a substantial portion of the morbidity associated with schizophrenia but are less prominent in other psychotic disorders. Two negative symptoms are particularly prominent in schizophrenia: diminished emotional expression and avolition.

The DSM-5 categorizes the following disorders under Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders:

• Schizotypal (Personality) Disorder
• Delusional Disorder
• Brief Psychotic Disorder
• Schizophreniform Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
• Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition 
• Catatonia 
• Other Specified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder
• Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder

• Schizophrenia 

  Information on Schizophrenia by Nursing labs

   
• Psychosis 

  Information on Psychosis, and other disorders under the schizoprenia spectrum and psychotic disorders

   
• Schizophreniform Disorder 

  Information from the Foundation Recovery network on Schizophreniform Disorder

   
• 5 Schizophrenia Subtypes 

  Information on the various levels of schizoprenia along with an overview of schizoprenia

   
• Schizophrenia – Fact Sheet 

  Information about schizophrenia from the Treatment Advocacy Center

   
• Schizoaffective disorder 

  Information on Schizoaffective disorder from the Mayo clinic.

   
• What are psychotic disorders? 

  Information on Psychotic disorders from Khan Academy

   
• Schizoaffective Disorder 

  Information about Schizoaffective Disorder from WebMD