Which statement about the DSM-5's criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia is accurate?

• A. The DSM-5 allows a diagnosis of schizophrenia if symptoms last for less than one month.
• B. The DSM-5 requires that at least two of the characteristic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, be present for a significant portion of time during a one-month period.
• C. The DSM-5 states that a single episode of mood disturbance is sufficient for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
• D. The DSM-5 does not require any impairment in social or occupational functioning for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) provides specific criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia, which is a serious mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that one key criterion in the DSM-5 is the presence of characteristic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (e.g., diminished emotional expression).
3. Step 3: Note that the DSM-5 requires at least two of these characteristic symptoms to be present for a significant portion of time during a one-month period (or less if successfully treated), and at least one of the symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.
4. Step 4: Understand that the DSM-5 also requires continuous signs of disturbance to persist for at least six months, which may include prodromal or residual symptoms, but the active phase symptoms must last at least one month.
5. Step 5: Remember that impairment in social or occupational functioning is also a criterion, meaning the disorder must cause significant dysfunction in major areas of life, and a single episode of mood disturbance alone is not sufficient for a schizophrenia diagnosis.