Differential consideration
Schizophreniform disorder
F20.81Psychotic Disorders
Why consider it
duration 1-6 months
Criteria and features to review
- A. Same symptom criteria as Schizophrenia (≥2 of the 5 symptom clusters; ≥1 must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganised speech)
- B. Episode duration ≥1 month but <6 months (including prodromal and residual phases)
- C. Schizoaffective and mood disorders excluded
- D. Not attributable to substances or another medical condition
Questions to clarify
- Which documented criteria and exclusions are met for each possibility?
- What timeline, course, and functional change best distinguishes the alternatives?
- Are substance, medication, medical, developmental, and contextual explanations adequately assessed?