What is the minimum duration for schizophrenia diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR?

What is the minimum duration for schizophrenia diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR?

• A. 1 month
• B. 3 months
• C. 6 months with at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms
• D. 12 months

Answer: (C)

Schizophrenia is diagnosed when there is a continuous disturbance in functioning for at least six months, and within that period there must be at least one month of active-phase symptoms. The active phase means prominent symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech, and two or more of the five core symptom domains (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms) must be present for a significant portion of time during that one-month active period. The remaining months within the six-month window can be prodromal or residual periods with milder symptoms. If the illness has lasted less than six months, another diagnosis (like schizophreniform disorder) is considered.

Schizophrenia is diagnosed when there is a continuous disturbance in functioning for at least six months, and within that period there must be at least one month of active-phase symptoms. The active phase means prominent symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech, and two or more of the five core symptom domains (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms) must be present for a significant portion of time during that one-month active period. The remaining months within the six-month window can be prodromal or residual periods with milder symptoms. If the illness has lasted less than six months, another diagnosis (like schizophreniform disorder) is considered.