including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, abnormal psychomotor be-
havior, and negative symptoms. Each of these symptoms may be rated for its current
severity (most severe in the last 7 days) on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (not present)
to 4 (present and severe). (See Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom
Severity in the chapter “Assessment Measures.”)
Note:  Diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder can be made without using this severity
specifier.
Note:  For additional information on Associated Features Supp orting Diagnosis, Develop-
ment and Course (age-related factors), Culture-Related Diag nostic Issues, Gender-Related
Diagnostic Issues, Differential Diagnosis, and Comorbidity, see the corresponding sec-
tions in schizophrenia.
Diagnostic Features
The characteristic symptoms of  schizophreniform disorder are identical to those of schizo-
phrenia (Criterion A). Schizophreniform disorder is distinguish ed by its difference in du-
ration: the total duration of the illness, includ ing prodromal, active, and residual phases, is
at least 1 month but less than 6 months (Crite rion B). The duration requirement for schizo-
phreniform disorder is intermediate between th at for brief psychotic disorder, which lasts
more than 1 day and remits by 1 month, and schizophrenia, which lasts for at least 6 months.
The diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder is made under two conditions. 1) when an ep-
isode of illness lasts between 1 and 6 months and the individual has already recovered,
and 2) when an individual is symptomatic for less than the 6 months’ duration required for
the diagnosis of schizophrenia but has not yet recovered. In this case, the diagnosis should