In schizophrenia, active symptoms must be present for at least how long?

In schizophrenia, active symptoms must be present for at least how long?

• A. At least 6 months of active symptoms.
• B. At least 1 month of active symptoms.
• C. At least 2 weeks of active symptoms.
• D. At least 3 months of active symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Active symptoms are the core psychotic features such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. For a schizophrenia diagnosis, these active-phase symptoms must be present for at least one month. But the overall course of the illness must show continuous disturbance for at least six months, which can include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms when active symptoms aren’t fully present. If the active phase lasts less than a month, the diagnosis would fall into a different schizophrenia-spectrum category (e.g., schizophreniform if the total duration is 1–6 months).

Active symptoms are the core psychotic features such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. For a schizophrenia diagnosis, these active-phase symptoms must be present for at least one month. But the overall course of the illness must show continuous disturbance for at least six months, which can include periods of prodromal or residual symptoms when active symptoms aren’t fully present. If the active phase lasts less than a month, the diagnosis would fall into a different schizophrenia-spectrum category (e.g., schizophreniform if the total duration is 1–6 months).