Schizophreniform disorder closely resembles schizophrenia. Both conditions cause psychosis and can interrupt a person’s ability to function in daily life.
Schizophrenia is considered a lifelong condition. But with schizophreniform disorder, psychotic symptoms will resolve in less than six months.
While there’s no cure for schizophreniform disorder, it can be managed with the right support. Treatment may involve interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and medication.
Schizophreniform disorder is a mental health condition that’s very similar to schizophrenia. Both of these psychotic disorders can involve symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. However, they are different conditions, with schizophreniform disorder having its own requirements for diagnosis.
The main difference between these conditions is how long the symptoms last. With schizophrenia, symptoms can last throughout the lifetime. But with schizophreniform disorder, symptoms resolve within six months. Research suggests that approximately 1 in 1000 people globally have schizophreniform disorder.
With the right support, people with schizophreniform disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their well-being.
Symptoms of schizophreniform disorder
The symptoms of schizophreniform disorder are identical to those of schizophrenia and can include:
Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that aren’t really there
Delusions: Fixed, false beliefs that are objectively untrue
Disorganized thoughts: Having trouble focusing, completing tasks, and maintaining a train of thought
Disorganized speech: Speaking in an odd or unusual way that makes it hard to communicate with others
Abnormal body movements: Repeated physical motions without a clear reason
Flat affect: Speaking in a monotone voice and having limited facial expressions
Depressive symptoms: A loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities, fatigue, and an inability to feel pleasure
These symptoms can look identical to schizophrenia. But the main differentiator is that while schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, schizophreniform disorder is short term, lasting between one and six months. That’s why providers will pay close attention to symptom timelines. They need to know when symptoms first started and how long they’ve lasted to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
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Schizophreniform disorder vs. other conditions
Schizophreniform disorder shares some features with several other psychotic disorders in addition to schizophrenia. When evaluating someone for schizophreniform disorder, providers will want to rule out the following diagnoses:
Brief psychotic disorder: A sudden-onset condition that involves one or more psychotic symptoms but doesn’t last longer than one month
Delusional disorder: Delusions persist for at least one month, but no other psychotic symptoms are present
Schizoaffective disorder: A combination of psychosis and severe mood symptoms like depression or mania
Causes of schizophreniform disorder
We don’t know exactly what causes schizophreniform disorder. But researchers have identified a few factors that may increase a person’s risk:
Genetics: Like other mental health conditions, schizophreniform may run in families.
Biology: An imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters may play a role in schizophreniform disorder.
Environment: Experiencing trauma or other stressful life events can make a person more vulnerable to schizophreniform disorder.
What to expect with schizophreniform disorder
Left untreated, the effects of schizophreniform disorder can make it difficult to function in daily life.
Hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of psychosis can impact your ability to work, attend school, form relationships, and care for yourself. While it’s considered a short-term disorder, approximately 60% of people who present with schizophreniform disorder will eventually be diagnosed with schizophrenia and will likely need lifelong care.
So if someone you care about is showing signs of psychosis, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention can make a world of difference for people living with psychotic disorders.
Managing schizophreniform disorder
While there’s no cure for schizophreniform disorder, it can be managed with the right support. Each person’s treatment experience will vary based on their unique needs, strengths, and challenges.
However, some of the most common treatments for schizophreniform disorder include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is designed to help people explore the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For people with schizophreniform disorder, CBT can be used to interrupt unhealthy patterns, reduce distress brought on by psychotic symptoms, and safely challenge ideas that may not be tied to reality.
Family therapy: In family therapy, family members can learn about schizophreniform disorder and play an active role in their loved one’s recovery. These sessions can also help families improve their communication skills, increase empathy and understanding, and resolve conflict in supportive ways.
Medication: Medications can help people living with schizophreniform disorder manage their symptoms. A provider can help someone decide which medication is best for them and ensure they’re receiving the optimal dose over time.
While schizophreniform disorder can be challenging to live with, remember that about one-third of people will achieve a remission of symptoms within six months. If symptoms persist beyond the six-month mark, it’s a sign that ongoing care may be needed. With the right support and treatment, people can continue to manage their mental health and work toward stability.
Early intervention can help people with schizophreniform disorder by addressing symptoms quickly, improving coping strategies, and reducing the risk of the disorder progressing to schizophrenia, leading to better overall outcomes.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Schizophreniform can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. So if you or someone you care about is showing signs of psychosis, don’t hesitate to ask for help. With help from a mental health professional, people with schizophreniform disorder can achieve stability and improve their quality of life.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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