1.1.1 SCHIZOPHRENIA · DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA · CASE STUDY
Aneja et al. Importance as an example
It shows how diagnostic criteria apply to even
2018
atypical presentations of schizophrenia, like
early onset. It Is a good example of why other
disorders must be ruled out before diagnosis.
Schizophrenia is extremely rare before age 15. Experiencing positive
symptoms depends on the child’s cognitive development, so negative
symptoms are common. This can make diagnosis difficult due to
overlap with autism, mood disorders and OCD.
Symptoms Observed
Key factors: Auditory hallucinations
Longitudinal case study on a boy under 13,
01 Persecutory beliefs
followed from birth to near end of adolescence.
Disorganised behaviour
Data collected via clinical observations, family
02 interviews, and psychiatric assessments over time.
Avolition
Began experiencing positive symptoms as cognitive
development progressed. 03 Social withdrawal
Flat affect
04 Multiple treatments didn’t provide full improvement.
Catatonic features
Insight into presentation of early onset
schizophrenia, the multi symptom nature and 05 Prodromal signs
importance of differential diagnosis.
EVALUATION
✓ STRENGTHS ✗ WEAKNESSES
Rich, idiographic account of a rare presentation · Longitudinal data Single case limits generalisability · Child could not give full informed
shows symptom progression · Multiple data types increase validity consent · Subjective clinician interpretation · No cause and effect
Example studies are good to use to back up your point in a PEEL paragraph for
the application marker, but you will need to remember the name of the
example study. you could write it like: Aneja et al (2018) provided insight into
how different schizophrenia presents itself early onset.
Aneja et al. Importance as an example
It shows how diagnostic criteria apply to even
2018
atypical presentations of schizophrenia, like
early onset. It Is a good example of why other
disorders must be ruled out before diagnosis.
Schizophrenia is extremely rare before age 15. Experiencing positive
symptoms depends on the child’s cognitive development, so negative
symptoms are common. This can make diagnosis difficult due to
overlap with autism, mood disorders and OCD.
Symptoms Observed
Key factors: Auditory hallucinations
Longitudinal case study on a boy under 13,
01 Persecutory beliefs
followed from birth to near end of adolescence.
Disorganised behaviour
Data collected via clinical observations, family
02 interviews, and psychiatric assessments over time.
Avolition
Began experiencing positive symptoms as cognitive
development progressed. 03 Social withdrawal
Flat affect
04 Multiple treatments didn’t provide full improvement.
Catatonic features
Insight into presentation of early onset
schizophrenia, the multi symptom nature and 05 Prodromal signs
importance of differential diagnosis.
EVALUATION
✓ STRENGTHS ✗ WEAKNESSES
Rich, idiographic account of a rare presentation · Longitudinal data Single case limits generalisability · Child could not give full informed
shows symptom progression · Multiple data types increase validity consent · Subjective clinician interpretation · No cause and effect
Example studies are good to use to back up your point in a PEEL paragraph for
the application marker, but you will need to remember the name of the
example study. you could write it like: Aneja et al (2018) provided insight into
how different schizophrenia presents itself early onset.
