Schizophrenia diagnosis

If you are experiencing mental health problems, you should make an appointment to see your GP. They will be able to assess you and refer you to a psychiatrist for a full mental health assessment. Only a psychiatrist can diagnose you with schizophrenia. Your symptoms need to last for a least 1 month before your doctor can diagnose you.

There are several diagnoses which share the symptoms of schizophrenia including schizoaffective disorder and personality disorder. Therefore, it can be difficult to make a correct diagnosis.

Early intervention teams are specialist NHS services which provide support to people when they’re first experiencing schizophrenia. You may meet with psychiatrists, psychologists, specialist nurses and support workers.