Schizophreniform disorder is basically provisional schizophrenia occurring for 1 to 6 months. If symptoms continue past 6 months, the diagnosis changes to schizophrenia. Thus, the widely known condition schizophrenia starts as the lesser known schizophreniform disorder. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis, epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of schizophreniform follow.

The criteria for schizophreniform disorder, as delineated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, include the presence for 1 to 6 months (unless treated) of delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech and either at least a second one of these or the addition of grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior or negative symptoms (i.e., deficits of emotions or behaviors typically exhibited by healthy individuals). The symptoms must not be due to substances or a medical condition. ...