The Characteristics of Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome

Does the concept of attenuated psychosis sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve seen it as a diagnostic proposal for further research in the current DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). It involves attenuated psychotic symptoms that cause distress and interference. Many people are familiar with the common schizophrenia and delusional disorders. However, some attenuated symptomatology falls short of meeting the criteria for a given psychotic disorder even though it could be the first “step” towards one. Well, this is just what the DSM-5 refers to with this “new” possible diagnosis. “All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion…