ABSTRACT

In Induced Psychotic Disorder, or similar disorders with other names, many clinicians recommend separation of the persons involved. Drug-induced or post-psychotic depressions are common. These and akinetic effects of antipsychotic drugs may be mistaken for schizoaffective withdrawal and psychomotor retardation. Since the Schizophreniform Disorder meets virtually all criteria for schizophrenia except that of symptom duration, treatment of the acute, early, and even some maintenance stages are essentially as described in the chapter on schizophrenia. Although schizophrenia may be diagnosed later, a number of patients with Schizophreniform Disorder will remain free of psychosis on little or no medication. When rapid control of acute agitation is imperative for complete evaluation, in order to implement necessary medical treatment, or to prevent damage to the patient or others, short-acting barbiturates may be useful without masking important symptoms. Low doses of haloperidol or other potent antipsychotics are safe and may be effective.