First Argentine Consensus on the Management of Schizophrenia: Section Two. Clinical and Diagnostic Considerations

This document constitutes the second part of the First Argentine Consensus on the Management of Schizophrenia and provides an updated summary of the available evidence on the clinical and diagnostic aspects of the disorder in adults. Following the methodology established in the first part of the Consensus, the panel of experts conducted an exhaustive literature review and systematically discussed and critically evaluated the information identified. This collaborative process resulted in the development of this second section, aimed at guiding clinical practice through a rigorous analysis of the scientific literature. During the deliberative stages, it was also decided to incorporate additional content considered particularly relevant for interdisciplinary teams responsible for providing comprehensive care to individuals with schizophrenia. Accordingly, the document addresses advances in key clinical aspects, diagnostic criteria and conceptual tools that enhance the evaluation of this condition. In this regard, the second part of the document outlines staging models for schizophrenia and its symptomatic variants (negative, cognitive, positive and affective symptoms), as well as the early stages of schizophrenia, ultra-high-risk states, the first psychotic episode, and the duration of untreated psychosis, together with auxiliary diagnostic methods.