A set of delusional conditions in which the affected
persons believe they are being persecuted
Formal thought disorder
Criteria
Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion
of time during a 1‐month period (or less if successfully treated)
At least one of these must be (1), (2), or (3): 1. Delusions / 2.
Hallucinations / 3. Disorganized speech (eg, frequent derailment or
incoherence) / 4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior / 5. Negative
symptoms (ie, diminished emotional expression or avolition)
Marked disturbances ‐work, interpersonal relationships, or self‐care
Childhood period‐there is failure to achieve expected level of
interpersonal, academic, or occupational functioning
An episode of the disorder lasts at least one month but persists for 6 months
(schizophrenic disorder) and less than 6 months (Schizophreniform Disorder)
Schizoaffective disorder and depressive or bipolar disorder with
psychotic features have been ruled out
The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a
substance (eg, a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition
If there is a history of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder of childhood onset, the
additional diagnosis of schizophrenia is made only if prominent delusions or hallucinations, in addition
to the other required symptoms of schizophrenia, are also present for at least 1 month