Using five methods of validation the authors evaluated six patients
satisfying DSM-III criteria for schizophreniform disorder. 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. The findings suggest that
schizophreniform disorder, as defined by DSM-III, may not be a valid entity
separate from affective disorder and that acuteness of onset, even in the
absence of affective symptoms, implies the presence of affective disorder.
The authors suggest that a diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder should
not exclude patients from treatment with lithium and antidepressants.Abstract Teaser