As in schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality (psychosis), hallucinations (usually, hearing voices), firmly held false beliefs (delusions), abnormal thinking... read more , people with schizophreniform disorder have symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and bizarre and inappropriate motor behavior (including catatonia) that indicate loss of contact with reality. (See also Introduction to Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Introduction to Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders— brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder—are characterized... read more .)
Because of this similarity, doctors carefully assess how long psychotic symptoms have been present. If they last longer than a month but resolve within 6 months after they begin, a schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed. However, doctors must rule out any temporary psychosis that might be the result of a substance use disorder Substance-Related Disorders or another medical condition Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition is characterized by hallucinations or delusions that are caused by another medical disorder. Psychosis refers to symptoms such as delusions... read more .
If psychotic symptoms persist longer than 6 months, schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality (psychosis), hallucinations (usually, hearing voices), firmly held false beliefs (delusions), abnormal thinking... read more is the most likely diagnosis but some people instead develop bipolar disorder Bipolar Disorder In bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness), episodes of depression alternate with episodes of mania or a less severe form of mania called hypomania. Mania is characterized... read more or schizoaffective disorder Schizoaffective Disorder Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the presence of mood symptoms, such as depression or mania, plus the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychosis refers to symptoms such as delusions... read more .
People are treated with antipsychotic drugs Antipsychotic Drugs Psychosis refers to symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and bizarre and inappropriate motor behavior that indicate loss of contact with reality. A number... read more and supportive psychosocial care. After symptoms resolve, drug treatment is continued for 12 months and then gradually tapered while the person is closely monitored for the return of psychotic symptoms.
