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Schizophreniform disorder: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, but lasting more than 1 month but less than 6 months.
On clinical evaluation, there is reason to suspect schizophrenia. Psychoses secondary to substance abuse or medical illness must be excluded. The distinction between schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia in a patient without previous psychotic symptoms is based on the duration of symptoms; if the duration exceeds 6 months, the patient no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for schizophreniform disorder. Persistence of symptoms or disability beyond 6 months suggests schizophrenia, but acute psychosis may also progress to a mood disorder with psychotic features, such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder. Long-term observation is often necessary to establish the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Antipsychotic therapy and supportive psychosocial care are indicated. After symptoms have disappeared, drug therapy is continued for 12 months and then gradually discontinued under close medical supervision to avoid recurrence of psychotic symptoms.
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