Can cognitive testing assist in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?
Dr. Keefe: This is controversial, but I think so. In fact, we have recently proposed that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11) include cognition as part of the diagnosis.[1] It is interesting that while most schizophrenia experts consider cognition to be a core component of the disorder, and it is mentioned several times in the DSM-IV-TR (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) description of schizophrenia, it has not been part of the diagnostic criteria. We have proposed the following criterion for consideration in the diagnostic criteria for DSM-V and ICD-11 schizophrenia: “A level of cognitive functioning suggesting a consistent severe impairment and/or a significant decline from premorbid levels considering the patient’s educational, familial, and socioeconomic background.” If these diagnostic systems focus less on specific criteria in
