While Schizophrenia is considered a chronic illness, the course of the illness appears to follow several stages (often classified according to the particular point of view or theoretical orientation of the clinician). Of course, the DSM-5 is considered non-theoretical as to diagnosis and etiology. The DSM-5 is empirically based and is organized into diagnostic categories according to symptoms.

The DSM-5 has removed the old DSM-IV subtypes (paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual). Now, specifiers include: first episode or multiple episodes, currently in acute episode, currently in partial remission, or currently in full remission; continuous; and unspecified. With this said, let's look further at the acute symptoms as they may manifest in the clinical situation.

Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are usually incredible and beyond belief. The DSM-5 no longer includes the attribution of "bizarre delusions". The thinking here is that it's actually quite difficult to distinguish between "bizarre" and "non-bizarre". The following are some of the types of delusions that might be seen:

1. Confused delusions with no systematic content

2. Persecutory delusions that are also relatively without systematic form

3. Delusions of grandeur (e.g. "I am the second coming of Christ." or "I am the President.").

4. Delusions of influence (e.g. "I have powers of mind control and can make you stand on your head if I want.").

5. Ideas of reference (e.g. Casual events of others are seen as being directed toward the individual).

6. Thought insertion (e.g. "The FBI is transmitting thoughts into my mind.").

7. Thought broadcasting (e.g. "The Government has been listening to my thoughts for years." So, the individual covers her head and entire apartment with aluminum foil to block the transmission.).