A disorder that differs from schizophrenia specifically in total duration (schizophreniform disorder lasts at least 1 month but less than 6 months whereas schizophrenia lasts at least 6 months); schizophreniform disorder also typically causes less impairment in the individual's social and occupational functioning.

Schizophreniform disorder is a mental disorder diagnosed when symptoms of schizophrenia are present for a significant portion of time (at least a month), but signs of disturbance are not present for the full six months required for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The symptoms of both disorders can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, and social withdrawal. While impairment in social, occupational, or academic functioning is required for the diagnosis of schizophrenia, in schizophreniform disorder an individual's level of functioning may or may not be affected...