Schizophreniform disorder is a psychotic disorder which presents symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. It is characterized by the sudden onset of hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders, often associated with social withdrawal and impairment in daily functioning. However, these symptoms are transient and do not last no more than six months. How to recognize them? How are they evolving? And what treatment options are available? We take stock with Fabrice Berna, professor of psychiatry at Strasbourg University Hospital.
Definition: what is schizophreniform disorder?
As noted above, schizophreniform disorder is a psychiatric disorder belonging to the family of psychotic disorders. It is characterized by the appearance of symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia (hallucinations, delusions, disorganization of thought, etc.). But it has an essential particularity: its duration is limited in time.
“We speak of schizophreniform disorder when the symptoms last between one and six months », Specifies Professor Berna. And added: “If the symptoms last less than a month, we speak of a brief psychotic disorder. If they last more than six months, we consider a diagnosis of schizophrenia.” This distinction is important insofar as it conditions the care!
Please note: schizophreniform disorder is most often considered to be…
Read more
Health
