with psychotic features, bipolar disorder with psychotic fe atures, or other specified or un-
specified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder, depending on the other
symptoms in the presentation. The differentia l diagnosis between brief psychotic disorder
and schizophreniform disorder is difficult wh en the psychotic symptoms have remitted be-
fore 1 month in response to successful trea tment with medication. Careful attention should
be given to the possibility that a recurrent diso rder (e.g., bipolar disorder, recurrent acute ex-
acerbations of schizophrenia) may be respon sible for any recurring  psychotic episodes.
Malingering and factitious disorders. An episode of factitious disorder, with predomi-
nantly psychological signs and symptoms, may have the appearance of brief psychotic
disorder, but in such cases there is evidence that the symptoms are intentionally produced.
When malingering involves apparently psyc hotic symptoms, there is usually evidence
that the illness is being feigned for an understandable goal.
Personality disorders. In certain individual s with personality disorders, psychosocial
stressors may precipitate brief periods of psychotic symptoms. These symptoms are usu-
ally transient and do not warrant a separate diagnosis. If psychotic symptoms persist for at
least 1 day, an additional diagnosis of br ief psychotic disorder  may be appropriate.
Schizophreniform Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria 295.40 (F20.81)
A. Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a
1-month period (or less if successfully treated). At least one of these must be (1), (2),
or (3):
1. Delusions.
2. Hallucinations.
3. Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence).
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior.