Which disorder is characterized by symptoms lasting at least one month but less than six months?

Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms that are similar to schizophrenia but are shorter in duration, lasting at least one month but less than six months. This disorder includes the same types of symptoms found in schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative symptoms.

The recognition of the timeframe is crucial in differentiating it from other psychotic disorders. Individuals experiencing symptoms for a shorter duration than the criteria set for schizophrenia can be diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, which allows for a more specific understanding of their condition and can guide treatment appropriately.

In contrast, schizophrenia requires a duration of symptoms for at least six months, which makes it distinct from schizophreniform disorder. Schizoaffective disorder entails the presence of mood disorder symptoms along with psychotic symptoms for a substantial period, and brief psychotic disorder consists of psychotic episodes that last for at least a day but less than a month, disqualifying them from the duration required for a schizophreniform diagnosis.