Diagnostic significance of Schneider's first-rank symptoms in schizophrenia

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the lack of consistent empirical support, modern diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia give particular emphasis to Schneider's first-rank symptoms (FRSs).AimsTo examine the diagnostic significance of FRSs for schizophrenia by trying to overcome the limitations of previous studies.MethodsThis study examined the diagnostic accuracy of FRSs for schizophrenia in 660 in-patients with the full spectrum of functional psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia was diagnosed according to three criteria: DSM–III–R broad, DSM–III–R narrow and Feighner, the latter being considered as the gold standard because it does not give particular emphasis to FRSs.ResultsFRSs were highly prevalent in both schizophrenia and non-schizophrenic psychoses. The likelihood ratios (and 95% Cl) of one or more FRSs for Feighner, DSM–III–R narrow and DSM–III–R broad schizophrenia were 1.06 (0.94–1.20), 1.23 (1.09–1.39) and 1.73 (1.44–2.08), respectively. These data indicate that FRSs do not significantly increase the likelihood of having schizophrenia.ConclusionsFRSs are not useful in differentiating schizophrenia from other psychotic disorders. Diagnostic systems for schizophrenia that are heavily based on these symptoms may arise from a tautological definition of the disorder.