# Incipient schizophrenia: a case-based introduction to psychopathology and differential diagnosis - Clinical case

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a clinical case of a first psychotic episode to explore the role of self-disorders in diagnosing early schizophrenia.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a case report highlighting self-disorders as potential markers for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

## Key findings

- Self-disorders are strongly associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- Diagnostic uncertainty in first-episode psychosis underscores the need for better clinical markers.
- Phenomenological psychopathology can improve the accuracy of incipient schizophrenia assessments.

## Abstract

The first psychotic episode is often a moment of utmost importance for the patients and their families, as well as for the treating professionals who need to address several dilemmas. Findings suggest that Self-Disorders (SD) specifically aggregate within schizophrenia spectrum disorders, pointing to the possibility that they could be a central phenotypic marker of schizophrenia spectrum disorders across the different severity of their clinical manifestations. We will present and discuss a case report involving a patient’s first admission, where diagnostic uncertainties exist. The goal is to enhance our comprehension of the significance of contemporary clinical and phenomenological psychopathology, with a specific focus on SD, in order to achieve a more accurate and precise assessment of incipient schizophrenia.

None Declared