A study of DSM-III schizophreniform disorder

Abstract

Using 5 methods of validation, 6 patients satisfying DSM-III [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III] criteria for schizophreniform disorder were evaluated. These patients did not differ importantly from patients with affective disorders but differed markedly from schizophrenic patients in past psychiatric history, family history, acute treatment response, short-term course and dexamethasone suppression test results. Schizophreniform disorder, as defined by DSM-III, may not be a valid entity separate from affective disorder and acuteness of onset, even in the absence of affective symptoms, implies the presence of affective disorder. A diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder should not exclude patients from treatment with Li and antidepressants.