A 28-year-old man is brought by his family after 7 months of gradual social withdrawal, deteriorating hygiene, and speaking to himself. He now has fixed beliefs that his thoughts are being broadcast on television. He has no mood episodes. DSM-5 requires the diagnosis of schizophrenia to fulfil a minimum duration criterion of active symptoms. Which minimum duration satisfies the Phase A (active phase) criterion alone?
- A 1 week
- B 6 months
- C 1 month ✓
- D 3 months
Correct answer: C. 1 month
Explanation
DSM-5 requires that at least one of the Criterion A symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, grossly disorganised/catatonic behaviour, negative symptoms) must be present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated). The 6-month duration includes the prodromal and residual phases along with the active phase; active phase alone needs only 1 month. Schizophreniform disorder applies when total duration is 1–6 months, distinguishing it from full schizophrenia.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.