GUIDE
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner
University of South Alabama
COURSE OVERVIEW
CMN 552 prepares Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students to
assess, diagnose, and manage selected health care needs of culturally diverse
populations across the life span, with emphasis on wellness and the
pathophysiology and epidemiology underlying acute and chronic psychiatric-
mental health problems.
,MODULE 4 OVERVIEW
Module 4 focuses on Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic
Disorders, including:
Section Topic Pages
1 Schizophrenia: Diagnostic Criteria & Clinical Features 1-25
2 Schizophreniform Disorder 26-32
3 Brief Psychotic Disorder 33-38
4 Delusional Disorder 39-45
5 Schizoaffective Disorder 46-50
6 Catatonia 51-55
7 Psychotic Disorder Pharmacotherapy 56-65
8 Practice Questions with Rationales 66-75
SECTION 1: SCHIZOPHRENIA – DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA & CLINICAL
FEATURES
, 1.1 DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia
Criterion A: Characteristic Symptoms (Two or more of the following, each
present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period. At least one
must be 1, 2, or 3):
1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
5. Negative symptoms (i.e., diminished emotional expression or avolition)
Criterion B: For a significant portion of the time since the onset of the
disturbance, level of functioning in one or more major areas (e.g., work,
interpersonal relations, or self-care) is markedly below the level achieved
prior to onset.
Criterion C: Continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 months.
This 6-month period must include at least 1 month of symptoms (or less if
successfully treated) that meet Criterion A and may include periods of
prodromal or residual symptoms.
Criterion D: Schizoaffective disorder and depressive or bipolar disorder with
psychotic features have been ruled out.
Criterion E: The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of
a substance or another medical condition.
, Criterion F: If there is a history of autism spectrum disorder or a
Delusion
Description
Type
Belief that one is going to be harmed, harassed, or persecuted by an
Persecutory
individual, organization, or other group (MOST COMMON)
Belief that certain gestures, comments, environmental cues, or events are
Referential
directed at oneself
Belief that one has exceptional abilities, wealth, fame, or a special
Grandiose
relationship with a deity
False belief that another person (often of higher status) is in love with the
Erotomanic
individual
Conviction that a major catastrophe will occur or that the self or world does
Nihilistic
not exist
Preoccupations regarding health and organ function; belief that one has a
Somatic
physical defect or medical condition
communication disorder of childhood onset, the additional diagnosis of
schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations are also
present for at least 1 month.