Which of the following types of delusions qualifies as a first rank symptom?
First rank symptoms
The first rank symptoms were suggested by Kurt Schneider as a means of differentiating schizophrenia from other forms of psychosis. He considered First rank symptoms as pathognomonic for schizophrenia in the absence of organic psychopathology.
The evidence suggests that they are not pathognomic, but are highly suggestive of schizophrenia. First rank symptoms are also seen in affective disorders, and have also been reported in personality disorders.
The evidence does not support the claim that they are of any prognostic significance (Nordgaard 2008).
The first rank symptoms include:-
- Running commentary
- Thought echo
- Voices heard arguing
- Thought insertion
- Thought withdrawal
- Thought broadcast
- Delusional perception
- Somatic passivity
- Made affect (belief that feelings are controlled by an outside force)
- Made volition ( belief that impulses and/or behaviour are controlled by an outside force)
The Diagnostic Status of First-Rank Symptoms. Nordgaard. Schizophrenia Bulletin 2008 34(1):137-154.
