Table 1 –

Diagnostic criteria for psychosis of AD, 2000.

A. Characteristic Symptoms

Presence of one (or more) of the following symptoms:

1. Visual or auditory hallucinations

2. Delusions

B. Primary Diagnosis

All the criteria for dementia of the Alzheimer type are met

C. Chronology of the onset of symptoms of psychosis vs. onset of symptoms of dementia

There is evidence from the history that the symptoms in Criterion A have not been present continuously since prior to the onset of the symptoms of dementia

D. Duration and Severity

The symptom(s) in Criterion A have been present, at least intermittently, for 1 month or longer. Symptoms are severe enough to cause some disruption in patients’ and/or others’ functioning.

E. Exclusion of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders

Criteria for Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Mood Disorder with Psychotic Features have never been met

F. Relationship to delirium

The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a delirium

G. Exclusion of other causes of psychotic symptoms

The disturbance is not better accounted for by another general-medical condition or direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication)

Associated features: (Specify if associated)

With Agitation: when there is evidence, from history or examination, of prominent agitation with or without physical or verbal aggression

With Negative Symptoms: when prominent negative symptoms, such as apathy, affective flattening, avolition, or motor retardation, are present

With Depression: when prominent depressive symptoms, such as depressed mood, insomnia or hypersomnia, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, or recurrent thoughts of death, are present

Note: For other dementias, such as vascular dementia, Criterion B will need to be modified appropriately.