Diagnostic problems and disputes

   Criticism diagnosis "schizophrenia" linked to its lack of scientific validity and reliability and is part of a broader criticism aimed at the diagnostic criteria for mental health in general. The alternative of establishing the boundary between the disease and may become a standard consideration of individual performance in a variety of diagnostic measurements, suggesting the existence of the spectrum or a continuum of states in contrast to the unequivocal diagnosis. This well lies in the heart of research and is consistent with data on high frequency in the general population of psychotic experiences and delusional beliefs, often do not cause negative emotions.

   Other critics point to the fragility of the criteria particularly evident when assessing the delusional belief, and thought disorders. It has been suggested that psychotic symptoms are insufficient for the diagnosis, because "psychosis in psychiatry is like a fever in the rest of medicine - this is serious, but non-rate".

   Research has shown that diagnosis of schizophrenia is a relatively unreliable and inconsistent, probably due to the fault of the above factors. The famous study carried out in 1972 by David Rozenhanom, the results of which were material to an article in the journal Science, entitled "On normal people in abnormal locations", demonstrated the subjectivity and unreliability of diagnosis (at least for the moment). In more recent work shows that the probability of a simultaneous diagnosis "schizophrenia" two independent psychiatrists in the best case reaches 65%. These data, as well as the results of previous studies have shown less consistency in the analysis of diagnostic reliability, caused some critics to claim denial from diagnosis "schizophrenia" as such.

   Nominate another alternative: use in diagnosis of knowledge about specific deficit. These deficits are evident in the reduction or the violation of basic psychological functions - memory, attention, control functions and the ability to solve problems. It is these violations, but not bright psychotic symptoms is expected to cause the most disabling effects of schizophrenia. However, this trend has developed relatively recently and are unlikely in the near future will lead to a radical change in diagnostic techniques.

   Well-known practice of using diagnostic "schizophrenia" non-therapeutic, but for political purposes in the USSR in the subtype classification was added under the name "low-schizophrenia". Use of this diagnosis, especially in Russia, against the dissidents, was a way of silencing them or abandon their beliefs under the threat of forced placement in treatment facilities. In 2000, the public was alarmed by news of a similar practice, presumably initiated by the Chinese Government and to members of Falun Gong, which delayed and "treated". The Committee on the abuse of psychiatry APA has responded by adopting resolution calling the World Psychiatric Association to investigate the situation in China.