Schizophreniform Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
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Many people are familiar with schizophrenia, a serious mental health condition that primarily manifests as symptoms of psychosis. However, it’s not as widely known that there are two other, related disorders that have similar symptoms but are classified differently due to symptom duration. Brief psychotic disorder is one, which describes sudden onset psychosis that lasts for less than a month. Schizophreniform disorder is the other, and it refers to when the psychosis lasts more than one month but less than six months—compared to schizophrenia, which is a life-long condition. Let’s take a closer look at the specific characteristics of schizophreniform disorder in particular.
Symptoms of schizophreniform disorder
Schizophreniform disorder is estimated to affect only 0.4–1% of the population. Symptoms of this disorder are similar to those that an individual with schizophrenia will experience, but they’re typically less severe and don’t last as long.
Key symptoms of both fall into three categories, according to the American Psychiatric Association:
- Positive symptoms, or those that are “abnormally present," which can include hallucinations, paranoia, and exaggerated or distorted beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors
- Negative symptoms, or those that are “abnormally absent," which can include a decreased or lost ability to speak, express emotion, or experience pleasure
- Disorganized symptoms, which can include confused thoughts and speech, difficulties with logical thinking, and odd behavior or abnormal movements
A person with schizophreniform disorder may or may not experience all of the symptoms above. They might, for example, primarily experience only two, while others may feel the effects of most or everyone. Symptoms may come on gradually or suddenly.
Causes of schizophreniform disorder
As with most mental illnesses, researchers believe that schizophreniform disorder is caused by multiple factors—though much remains to be understood about this. One contributing factor could be an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Genetics seem to play a role as well, as an individual with biological relatives who have schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder may be at higher risk of developing it themselves. In fact, researchers have uncovered a particular gene they believe could be responsible for the onset of schizophrenia and related disorders. It’s called C4, and it appears to accelerate the natural process of pruning unnecessary neural connections to a point that causes cognitive impairment. Finally, complications during birth, such as premature labor or a low birth weight, may also increase a person’s risk of developing such a condition later in life.
It’s also important to note that certain habits or events can trigger the onset of this disorder in someone who is already at a higher risk of developing it. Stressful or traumatic life events can be the catalyst, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, unemployment, or abuse. Drug use—especially cannabis, cocaine, LSD, and amphetamines, according to the National Health Service (NHS)—may also increase an individual’s chances of developing schizophreniform disorder or schizophrenia.
How schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed
It’s virtually always recommended that those who experience symptoms of this disorder should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. A qualified medical provider will usually start by conducting a physical examination and a series of tests in order to determine whether there’s a physical health condition that may be causing the symptoms. If not, they will typically refer the individual to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation. That professional may compare the individual’s symptoms to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine whether a mental illness in this category may be at play. If so, they’ll usually monitor the individual’s symptoms over time to decide whether they qualify as brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or schizophrenia.
Treatment for schizophreniform disorder
The first aim of treatment for schizophreniform and related disorders is to ensure safety. If a person may be at risk of harming themselves or others, it’s possible they may need to be hospitalized until they can be stabilized. After that, the goal of treatment will be to help mitigate or eliminate symptoms so that the individual can enter remission, and to prevent future relapses. To this end, treatment for schizophreniform disorder usually involves some combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Anti-psychotic medications are commonly used to help the individual manage psychotic symptoms in particular, which can be some of the most distressing and disruptive. Talk therapy can help a person come to terms with their diagnosis and learn healthy coping mechanisms for handling everyday challenges related to the illness. Family therapy is also sometimes recommended so that an individual’s loved ones can learn more about their disorder in order to better support them. If a diagnosis of schizophreniform is given (rather than schizophrenia), a person may be able to gradually decrease their medication dosage over time under the direction and supervision of their psychiatrist. However, they’ll usually also receive information on signs of relapse to watch for in the future.
Although treatment can be effective, those who have schizophreniform or related disorders often face significant stigma that may prevent them from seeking help or continuing with their prescribed regimen. They may also face financial barriers to care. In cases like these, online therapy may represent a useful, effective tool, as suggested by recent research. While the guidance of a psychiatrist or other medical professional is usually recommended for someone with symptoms of a disorder like this, online therapy can be another helpful avenue of support in addition. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can meet with a licensed therapist via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of home. Session costs are comparable to most insurance co-pays.
Takeaway
What is the difference between schizophreniform and schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder have nearly identical symptoms.
The primary difference between the two conditions is the duration of symptoms, with schizophreniform disorder lasting fewer than six months, and schizophrenia persisting for six months or more. Additionally, impairment to occupational/social functioning—which is a criterion for schizophrenia—is not required in schizophreniform disorder.
What is the criteria for schizophreniform?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), schizophreniform disorder symptoms must be “present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period” and include at least two of the following:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized speech
- Disorganized behavior
- Lack of motivation or emotional expression
In addition, the above symptoms must have persisted for fewer than six months.
What is the difference between schizophreniform and schizoaffective?
The primary difference between schizophreniform disorder and schizoaffective disorder is the presence of mood disorder symptoms. Both conditions are characterized by symptoms of psychosis, which include delusions, hallucinations, etc. Typically, though, for mental health professionals to diagnose schizoaffective disorder, the individual must display symptoms of mania or depression.
What happens when you have schizophreniform disorder?
Those who have had schizophreniform disorder diagnosed often experience false beliefs, hallucinations, disorganized behavior and speech, and a lack of emotional expression. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help individuals alleviate their symptoms and manage everyday problems related to the disorder. Treatment usually consists of antipsychotic drugs and psychotherapy. If you think you may be living with schizophreniform disorder, consider consulting with a healthcare professional who can treat mental illnesses.
What is schizophreniform disorder in simple terms?
Schizophreniform disorder is a shorter-term and less severe version of schizophrenia—typically lasting longer than one month but shorter than six months. The symptoms of schizophreniform disorder include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and disorganized behavior. Though it is primarily considered a genetic condition, traumatic or stressful events can trigger schizophreniform disorder.
What is the differential diagnosis of schizophreniform?
There are several differentials that are associated with schizophreniform disorder. These conditions include substance-induced psychotic disorder, sleep-related disorders, schizotypal personality disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder.
Can schizophreniform turn into schizophrenia?
Those living with schizophreniform disorder may develop schizophrenia if their symptoms persist beyond six months. Additionally, for a diagnosis of schizophrenia, disruptions to social or occupational functioning must be present. According to the DSM-5, this impairment occurs when “one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self-care are markedly below the level achieved prior to the onset”.
What are the major differences between schizophreniform disorder and brief psychotic disorder?
Though schizophreniform disorder and brief psychotic disorder have many similarities, they also differ in a key aspect. Like brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder is a psychotic illness marked by symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. The primary difference in the two conditions is their duration, with schizophreniform disorder lasting for at least one month, and brief psychotic disorder lasting between one day and one month.
When does schizophreniform become schizophrenia?
If people with schizophreniform disorder experience symptoms that persist beyond six months, they may be living with schizophrenia. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately “one-third of individuals with an initial diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder recover within the 6-month period”. If you believe you’re living with schizophreniform disorder or schizophrenia, a healthcare professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.
Is schizophreniform more severe than schizophrenia?
Schizophreniform disorder is thought to be characterized by less severe symptoms than those of schizophrenia. Unlike with schizophrenia, a disruption in occupational or social functioning is not necessary to diagnose schizophreniform disorder. Additionally, schizophrenia symptoms typically persist for longer than six months (it is considered a lifelong illness), while schizophreniform disorder usually lasts fewer than six months.
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