A diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder is made if the symptoms last more than a month, but less than six months.
If the symptoms last less than a month, the diagnosis is brief reactive psychosis. This may occur as a temporary reaction in the brain to a very stressful event – such as being in a war or getting lost in the woods or being lost at sea for several days. The quicker it comes on, the more likely it is that the person will be himself again. The diagnosis of schizophrenia is made only if the symptoms persist for more than six months.
The symptoms of schizophreniform disorder are the same as for schizophrenia: confusion in thinking and feelings.