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Autism spectrum disorder may present with social withdrawal or communication deficits, but hallucinations are not typical. If psychotic symptoms occur in autism, schizophrenia can only be diagnosed if prominent hallucinations or delusions persist for a month. Autism alone does not confirm schizophrenia.

Medical conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy or encephalitis can cause hallucinations. If symptoms are attributable to a medical etiology, schizophrenia cannot be diagnosed. Rule-out of organic causes is mandatory before confirming a psychiatric diagnosis.

Manic or depressive symptoms suggest schizoaffective or bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Schizophrenia requires that mood symptoms are not predominant. If mood episodes are concurrent and substantial, another diagnosis is more appropriate.

Autism may coexist with schizophrenia, but its presence alone does not confirm schizophrenia unless hallucinations or delusions are present.

Medical conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing schizophrenia. If symptoms are due to illness, schizophrenia is not diagnosed.

Mood symptoms suggest schizoaffective or mood disorders with psychosis, not schizophrenia unless psychotic symptoms dominate.

Six months is the minimum duration required, but if symptoms are due to steroids, schizophrenia is not diagnosed.

Auditory hallucinations are common but not mandatory. Delusions and disorganized speech alone can meet criteria.

Age 21 is within the typical onset range for schizophrenia, which usually begins between ages 16 and 30.

Disorganized schizophrenia presents with disorganized speech, flat affect, and erratic behavior, not sustained posturing. Clients may laugh inappropriately or show poor hygiene, but motor rigidity is absent.

Paranoid schizophrenia is dominated by delusions and auditory hallucinations, often involving persecution or conspiracy. Posturing is not typical; behavior is more reactive to perceived threats.

Undifferentiated schizophrenia is diagnosed when symptoms do not clearly fit other subtypes. However, bizarre posturing is specific enough to classify under catatonic, making undifferentiated inappropriate here.

Erotomania involves belief that someone, often of higher status, is in love with the client. It does not include fear of harm.

Grandiosity includes exaggerated self-worth or power, not fear of being poisoned or targeted.

Somatic delusions involve false beliefs about bodily functions or disease, not external threats or sabotage.

Delusion of persecution involves beliefs of being targeted or harmed by others. This scenario lacks a threat or victimization component.

Delusion of grandeur involves exaggerated self-importance or power. The client does not claim superiority or special status.

Somatic delusions involve false beliefs about bodily functions or health. While the tooth is mentioned, the focus is on external control, not physical illness.