Yes, it is possible to have schizophrenia without prominent delusions and hallucinations, but such cases are less common. Schizophrenia is a complex and heterogeneous mental health disorder, and its symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
The diagnosis of schizophrenia typically involves the presence of certain core symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, abnormal motor behavior (including catatonia), and negative symptoms (such as reduced emotional expression and social withdrawal). To receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to standard diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5 or ICD-10), a person must experience at least two of these symptoms for a significant portion of time during a one-month period, along with other criteria related to social/occupational dysfunction and the duration of symptoms.
However, some individuals with schizophrenia may have primarily negative symptoms or disorganized thinking without prominent delusions or hallucinations. This is sometimes referred to as "schizophrenia with predominantly negative symptoms" or "schizophrenia with disorganized symptoms." These cases can be more challenging to diagnose, and individuals with primarily negative or disorganized symptoms may be misdiagnosed or diagnosed with other conditions.
It's essential to recognize that diagnosing schizophrenia requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. The presentation of schizophrenia can be quite complex, and other medical and psychiatric conditions can sometimes mimic its symptoms. Therefore, a thorough assessment is necessary to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment and support.