Schizophreniform Disorder is characterized by a duration of...

• A. Lasts at least 6 months
• B. Lasts at least 1 month but less than 6 months
• C. Lasts 1 day to 1 month
• D. Lasts more than 12 months

Answer: (B)

Schizophreniform disorder is defined by a psychotic illness that has the same symptoms as schizophrenia but with a shorter duration. The key point is that the disturbance lasts at least one month but less than six months. This time frame distinguishes it from brief psychotic disorder (lasting less than a month) and from schizophrenia (lasting six months or longer). Clinicians assess how long the psychotic symptoms—such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms—have been present. If symptoms persist beyond six months, the diagnosis typically shifts to schizophrenia; if they resolve before a month, it would be a brief psychotic disorder.