At least two of certain symptoms or bizarre delusions must be present for a significant amount of time in order to meet the diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder.

These include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative behavior symptoms. Bizarre delusions are those that do not occur in real life, such as hearing voices.

The exact cause of schizophreniform disorder is not known. Researchers believe causes may be a combination of factors including genetic, brain chemistry, or environmental factors such as stressful events or poor social interactions. While it does not seem that the disorder is inherited, there may be a tendency to develop the disorder if a parent had the disorder. Chemical imbalances in the brain may also trigger the disorder.

This disorder can be difficult to diagnose and must be done by a qualified professional. This person will review symptoms and the patient's history. This is done in part to determine the speed of changes in a patient's behavior. Substance abuse issues are also reviewed as some of the same symptoms of substance abuse are similar to those of schizophreniform disorder.

Following diagnosis, treatment options include antipsychotic medications psychotherapy, where patients learn about the illness and how to live with and manage symptoms. Those with true schizophreniform disorder recover within six months' time. If the disorder is not resolved in this time, the person probably has schizophrenia, which is a life-long disorder.