What are the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia?

• A. Two or more of: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms; at least one symptom from the first three; continuous signs for at least 6 months with functional decline.
• B. Only one symptom.
• C. Requires mood symptoms.
• D. Must have only negative symptoms.

Answer: (A)

The principle you’re being tested on is how schizophrenia is diagnosed in DSM-5: you need a threshold of symptoms plus a minimum duration with impairment. To meet the criteria, there must be two or more of these symptom domains: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms. Importantly, at least one of those must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. The disturbance must persist for a substantial period, with at least one month of active-phase symptoms, and continuous signs for at least six months, with clear impairment in functioning (in work, social relations, or self-care). Also, the symptoms must not be better explained by a mood disorder with psychotic features, another medical condition, or substance use.

This option matches those requirements: it calls for two or more of the listed symptom domains, includes a stipulation that at least one must come from the first three, and requires continuous symptoms for at least six months with functional decline. The other choices don’t fit because they would either require only one symptom, require mood symptoms, or require only negative symptoms, which don’t meet the DSM-5 threshold.