Schizophreniform Disorder

About Schizophreniform Disorder

Schizophreniform disorder has the same characteristic symptoms as schizophrenia, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior and negative symptoms, but the total duration of the episode, including early and residual phases, is at least one month and less than six months. Unlike schizophrenia, a decline in social or occupational functioning is not required for the diagnosis. The term was introduced by the Norwegian psychiatrist Gabriel Langfeldt in the 1930s. Some people recover fully within the time frame, while for others the diagnosis is provisional and later changes to schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder if symptoms persist. Features associated with a better outcome include rapid onset and good functioning before the illness. Treatment is similar to that for a first episode of psychosis, combining antipsychotic medication with psychoeducation, family involvement and specialized early intervention services where available.