Schizophrenia - Exams and Tests

Exams and Tests

Schizophrenia is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and a mental health assessment.

If a health professional suspects that you may be depressed or considering suicide, a suicide assessment may also be done.

Other tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, and blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia.

New evidence suggests that the structure of the brain may be different in those who develop schizophrenia.⁷ Brain imaging studies (such as a CT scan or an MRI) may be done to evaluate the size, structure, and functioning of the brain.

Schizophrenia is accurately diagnosed when:

• You have at least two of the following symptoms in the active phase of the disorder, each having lasted for at least 1 month:
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Disorganized speech
  • Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
  • Negative symptoms (no emotion, inability to experience pleasure, difficulty concentrating)
• Problems functioning on the job or with other people.
• Continuous signs of schizophrenia that have been present for at least 6 months, with symptoms being active for at least 1 month.
• Your symptoms are not due to other mental health or substance abuse problems.

Other tests (including blood tests) may be done to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms or diagnose other schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Early Detection

There is no routine screening for schizophrenia. If you see a health professional because you have unusual thoughts or feelings, the health professional may first perform a mental health assessment to check for signs of schizophrenia or other conditions, such as dementia.