The tail wagging the dog: the diagnostic accuracy of first rank symptoms COMMENTARY ON… COCHRANE CORNER

Abstract

Outcomes for people with schizophrenia are improved by expedient diagnosis and specific treatment. ICD-11 and DSM-5 have reduced the importance of Schneider's first rank symptoms (FRS) in the diagnosis of schizophrenia; however, FRS may still offer a useful triage tool for the early identification of schizophrenia and initiation of antipsychotic therapy in high-demand and resource-poor settings. This commentary considers a Cochrane review that assesses the diagnostic accuracy of one or multiple FRS in diagnosing schizophrenia in adults and adolescents.