How is schizophrenia diagnosed?
When schizophrenia is suspected, a person will undergo an assessment that can include: • A medical/psychiatric history of the patient and family members to determine if there is a family history of schizophrenia. The patient also will be asked about any prescribed medications he or she is taking. • A physical exam to test reflexes, balance and senses, such as hearing, taste, sight and touch. A smell test may be conducted in which the patient is presented common smells and asked to identify them (many people with schizophrenia have an impaired sense of smell). • A mental status exam, in which the doctor interviews and closely observes the patient to assess their level of cognitive ability (knowledge-related), appearance, emotional mood, and speech and thought patterns at the time of evaluation.
