will remain chronically ill. Complete remission is not common. Some may have a stable course and others show a progressive worsening and severe disability. Negative symptoms may be prominent early in the disorder (prodromal features) and persist between episodes of positive symptoms. Positive symptoms appear later and are responsive to treatment (DSM-IV, pp. 282-283)
Diagnostic criteria includes two or more characteristic symptoms (A) for most of a one-month period (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms); only one symptom is required for bizarre delusions or hallucinations with ongoing voice or voices. Criteria B is social/occupational dysfunction; one or more areas such as work, relations, or self-care are markedly below levels prior to the disturbance onset. Duration (criterion C) includes at least six months of continuous signs of disturbance, with at least one month of symptoms; it may include prodromal or residual symptoms where onl
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