The characteristic symptoms of schizophreniform disorder are identical to those of schizo- phrenia (Criterion A). Schizophreniform disorder is distinguished by its difference in du- ration: the total duration of the illness, including prodromal, active, and residual phases, is at least 1 month but less than 6 months (Criterion B). The duration requirement for schizo- phreniform disorder is intermediate between that for brief psychotic disorder, which lasts more than 1 day and remits by 1 month, and schizophrenia, which lasts for at least 6 months.
The diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder is made under two conditions. 1) when an ep- isode of illness lasts between 1 and 6 months and the individual has already recovered, and 2) when an individual is symptomatic for less than the 6 months’ duration required for the diagnosis of schizophrenia but has not yet recovered. In this case, the diagnosis should be noted as ”schizophreniform disorder (provisiona1)” because it is uncertain if the indi- vidual will recover from the disturbance within the 6-month period. If the disturbance per- sists beyond 6 months, the diagnosis should be changed to schizophrenia.
Another distinguishing feature of schizophreniform disorder is the lack of a criterion requiring impaired social and occupational functioning. While such impairments may po- tentially be present, they are not necessary for a diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder.
In addition to the five symptom domain areas identified in the diagnostic criteria, the assessment of cognition, depression, and mania symptom domains is vital for making crit- ically important distinctions between the various schizophrenia spectrum and other psy- chotic disorders.
As with schizophrenia, currently there are no laboratory or psychometric tests for schizo— phreniform disorder. There are multiple brain regions where neuroimaging, neuropa- thological, and neurophysiological research has indicated abnormalities, but none are diagnostic.
Incidence of schizophreniform disorder across sociocultural settings is likely similar to that observed in schizophrenia. In the United States and other developed countries, the in— cidence is low, possibly fivefold less than that of schizophrenia. In developing countries, the incidence may be higher, especially for the specifier “with good prognostic features"; in some of these settings schizophreniform disorder may be as common as schizophrenia.
The development of schizophreniform disorder is similar to that of schizophrenia. About one-third of individuals with an initial diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder (provi— sional) recover within the 6-month period and schizophreniform disorder is their final di- agnosis. The majority of the remaining two-thirds of individuals will eventually receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Genetic and physiological. Relatives of individuals with schizophreniform disorder have an increased risk for schizophrenia.
For the majority of individuals with schizophreniform disorder who eventually receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, the functional consequences are similar to the consequences of those disorders. Most individuals experience dysfunction in several areas of daily functioning, such as school or work, interpersonal relationships, and self—care. Individuals who recover from schizophreniform disorder have better functional outcomes.
Other mental disorders and medical conditions. A wide variety of mental and medical conditions can manifest with psychotic symptoms that must be considered in the differ- ential diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder. These include psychotic disorder due to disorder with psychotic features; schizoaffective disorder; other specified or unspecified bi— polar and related disorder; depressive or bipolar disorder with catatonic features; schizophre- phrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder; schizotypal, schizoid, or paranoid personality disorders,- autism spectrum disorder; disorders presenting in childhood with order; posttraumatic stress disorder; and traumatic brain injury.