DSM-Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

What is the high-yield picture of Delusional Disorder?

One or more delusions without the broader symptom pattern of schizophrenia; functioning relatively preserved outside delusion effects.

Timeline/onset: 1+ month

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Types: erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic, mixed.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Delusional Disorder?

1+ month

How do you differentiate Delusional Disorder Vs. schizophrenia on an exam vignette?

Delusions are the primary/only psychotic symptom and functioning is not markedly disorganized.

What is the high-yield picture of Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Sudden psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized/catatonic behavior, followed by return to prior functioning.

Timeline/onset: 1 day to <1 month

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: May specify with marked stressor, postpartum, or catatonia.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Brief Psychotic Disorder?

1 day to <1 month

How do you differentiate Brief Psychotic Disorder on an exam vignette?

Duration separates it from schizophreniform and schizophrenia.

What is the high-yield picture of Schizophreniform Disorder?

Same core symptom pattern as schizophrenia, but shorter total duration; functional decline is not required.

Timeline/onset: 1 to <6 months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: May specify good prognostic features or catatonia.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Schizophreniform Disorder?

1 to <6 months

How do you differentiate Schizophreniform Disorder on an exam vignette Vs. brief psychotic:?

longer than 1 month. Vs. schizophrenia: less than 6 months.

What is the high-yield picture of Schizophrenia?

Two or more core psychotic symptoms, with at least one of delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech; functional decline is typical.

Timeline/onset: 6+ months total, including 1+ month active phase

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Course specifiers; with catatonia; symptom severity ratings.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Schizophrenia?

6+ months total, including 1+ month active phase

How do you differentiate Schizophrenia Vs. Schizophreniform on an exam vignette?

Focus on the 6-month threshold itself

What is the high-yield picture of Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms plus a major mood episode, with psychosis also occurring independently of mood symptoms.

Timeline/onset: 2+ weeks psychosis without mood episode; overall illness typically 6+ months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Bipolar type or depressive type.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Schizoaffective Disorder?

2+ weeks psychosis without mood episode; overall illness typically 6+ months

How do you differentiate Schizoaffective Disorder Vs. bipolar/MDD on an exam vignette?

with psychotic features: in those disorders psychosis occurs only during mood episodes.

What is the high-yield picture of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Enduring eccentricity, unusual beliefs/perceptions, suspiciousness, odd speech/behavior, and interpersonal deficits.

Timeline/onset: Enduring pattern

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Personality pattern, not a sustained psychotic disorder.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Enduring pattern

How do you differentiate Schizotypal Personality Disorder Vs. Schizophrenia on an exam vignette?

No sustained psychotic episode; reality testing is generally more intact.

What is the high-yield picture of Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Enduring detachment from social relationships and restricted emotional expression; little desire for closeness.

Timeline/onset: Enduring pattern

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Emotional coldness, Cluster A personality disorder.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Schizoid Personality Disorder?

Enduring pattern

How do you differentiate Schizoid Personality Disorder Vs. psychotic disorders on an exam vignette?

Social detachment without delusions, hallucinations, or disorganization.