The Schizophrenia Test: What May Be Useful To Know

According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia is usually characterized by "significant impairments in the way reality is perceived" and associated changes in a person's thoughts and behavior. A person with schizophrenia may experience delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking that affects behavior. Cognitively, the disorder may also affect memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. While there is currently no known cure for schizophrenia, symptoms can be successfully managed and quality of life improved. 

To diagnose schizophrenia, clinicians primarily use testing scales that assess "positive" and “negative” symptoms. Positive symptoms generally refer to the degree to which symptoms distort function. Examples can include delusions and hallucinations. Meanwhile, negative symptoms typically relate to impaired function and can include a lack of pleasure and motivation.

Different tests may be used to screen for symptoms that can indicate the presence of schizophrenia. The Psychosis Risk Screening with the Prodromal Questionnaire—Brief Version (PQ-B) is a self-test that can be taken online, but professionals may use a variety of assessments for diagnosis. If you believe you may be living with schizophrenia, it may be helpful to reach out to a licensed therapist.

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Schizophrenia test: Assessment scale testing

Other scales can include the PANSS, SAPS, and SANS scales, which have been called the "gold standard" in assessing schizophrenia symptoms. 

Psychosis Risk Screening with the Prodromal Questionnaire—Brief Version (PQ-B)

The Psychosis Risk Screening with the Prodromal Questionnaire—Brief Version (PQ-B) is a self-test that can be taken online. While updated research may be needed, studies on the effectiveness of the screening suggest that "the PQ-B may be used as an effective, efficient self-report screen for prodromal psychosis syndromes when followed by diagnostic interview, in a two-stage evaluation process in help-seeking populations." Prodromal generally refers to the period in which various signs and symptoms tend to precede psychosis. 

However, many researchers object to the term prodromal, noting that risk factors do not necessarily mean the imminent onset of psychosis. They may use the term "clinical high risk" and other risk-assessing designations instead. 

The original version of the questionnaire typically lists 92 questions intended to identify psychotic risk. As a self-test, it's generally designed to be the first of a two-stage screening process, followed by clinical interviews. Researchers who designed this prodromal schizophrenia test noted that the "risk for later psychotic disorder was four to five times greater when individuals were distressed by the psychotic experience compared to those who were not," although updated research may be necessary.

Questions on the Prodromal Questionnaire—Brief Version (PQ-B)

The schizophrenia quiz found on Mental Health America consists of 21 questions from the PQ-B. The quiz asks its taker to answer whether they have had certain experiences, thoughts, or feelings in the last month. Answering "yes" to any of the questions prompts a further question that rates the degree to which the experience upset them. 

For example, the following question is asked: "Have you had experiences with telepathy, psychic forces, or fortune-telling?”

Answering yes to the above question prompts the test taker to answer the degree to which they were "frightened" or "concerned" by the experience, or whether it caused problems for them.

Quiz takers are advised to take the test to a healthcare provider for further evaluation after receiving their results. 

Common symptoms of schizophrenia

According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia may be characterized by "significant impairments in the way reality is perceived and changes in behavior" in relation to delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and behavior, and other symptoms. Cognitively, it may affect memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms may include the following:

• Hallucinations, such as hearing voices, as well as distorted perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors (positive symptoms)
• Experiencing a loss of or reduced ability "to initiate plans, speak, express emotion or find pleasure" (negative symptoms)
• Disordered thinking that reflects in speech, behavior, or movements (disordered symptoms)
• Difficulties with attention, concentration, and memory (cognitive symptoms)

Positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia

Positive symptoms are generally those that distort the person’s functioning. Meanwhile, negative symptoms usually involve lost or reduced function. Finally, cognitive symptoms can include difficulties with attention, concentration, and memory.

Usually, schizophrenia first manifests in one's late teens or early adult years, but some symptoms may present before or after this time frame.

Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure–Adult (DSM XC)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure–Adult (DSM XC) was developed by the American Psychiatric Association to assess symptoms that may be present across different mental health disorders. This assessment generally consists of 23 questions that screen across 13 psychiatric domains, including psychosis, memory, dissociation, and substance use.

Each question normally asks the person to identify how much they have been bothered by a specific symptom within the last couple of weeks. The questions are rated on a five-point scale, from "none or not at all" to "severe or nearly every day," which can guide clinicians in determining which domains should be further investigated. For psychosis, having a slight rating may prompt further testing. 

DSM-5 mental health disorder criteria for schizophrenia

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) notes that the following symptoms must be present for Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms, such as affective flattening, alogia, or avolition

In general, symptoms must be present for a "significant portion of the time" for one month. Usually, two criteria must be met for a diagnosis. However, one criterion may suffice for a diagnosis when "delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person’s behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other."

The above symptoms constitute Part A of the diagnostic process, while Part B typically focuses on social and occupational dysfunction, and Part C normally focuses on the duration of the manifested signs and symptoms. 

In addition, other sections tend to screen for other mental health conditions, such as schizoaffective and mood disorders. 

Therapy can help with managing the symptoms of schizophrenia

Living with schizophrenia doesn't have to be debilitating. Many people learn to manage symptoms with the support of a therapist, doctor-prescribed medication, and other complementary therapies. If you or someone you know may have schizophrenia, having sessions with a therapist in person or online can be helpful.

Learn to manage challenging mental health symptoms

Work with a licensed therapist online

Online therapy for individuals with schizophrenia

For many people, speaking to someone online can be more convenient and comfortable. If this is the case for you, an online platform like BetterHelp may work for you. Many therapists on the platform use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an approach that usually addresses unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns. Please note that individuals currently experiencing acute psychosis may require in-person care.

According to a 2016 study investigating an online therapy intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, “Participants in the treatment group showed a significant decline of depressive symptoms.”