What is Schizophreniform Disorder?

Schizophreniform disorder is a psychotic disorder which is in the category of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This disorder have same symptoms like schizophrenia but the only difference in diagnosis of both disorder is the duration of the symptoms. For schizophreniform disorder to be diagnosed the symptoms of schizophrenia delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and disorganized motor behavior must last between 1 month to six months.

Diagnostic criteria of schizophreniform disorder

The diagnostic criteria of schizophreniform disorder according to DSM5TR is as

Diagnostic Criteria A

The significant ratio of either two or more than two of the following symptoms must be present. The duration of each symptom present for at least the duration of 1-month period or it can be less than 1 month if treated successfully.

1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech
4. Disorganized motor behavior
5. Negative symptoms (lack of emotional expressions)

Diagnostic Criteria B.

The duration of disorder lasts for at least 1 month but it should be less than 6 months.

Diagnostic Criteria C.

Bipolar disorder or depressive disorder with psychotic features are ruled out

• There should be no major depressive episode or manic episodes during schizophrenia episode have occurred
• If any manic or depressive episodes have occurred incidence with schizophrenia episode than the duration must be minimal of total duration

Diagnostic Criteria D.

The schizophrenia episode is not due to use of any substance.

How usual is schizophreniform disorder?

Schizophreniform disorder is not so common. Mostly researches have showed that once if it’s symptoms start to develop diminish after episode of 1 month or less than 6 months. Its symptoms can affect the daily routine functioning of the individual sometimes it effects educational and occupational functioning of the person.