Audrey's behavior is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, incoherent speech, and disorientation. She talks to herself and screams and yells at passersby on the street. She sifts
Through garbage dumpsters for food, and collects garbage from the dumpsters. She never
Bathes or changes her clothes. She has been acting this way for about 3 months. She is best
Diagnosed as suffering from ______.
A) schizophreniform disorder
B) schizophrenia
C) schizoaffective disorder
D) brief psychotic disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech, but the duration of the disorder is shorter, ranging from one to six months. Audrey's symptoms have been present for about 3 months, fitting the criteria for schizophreniform disorder rather than schizophrenia, which requires symptoms to be present for at least 6 months. Schizoaffective disorder and brief psychotic disorder do not fit as well due to the duration and nature of symptoms.

Audrey's Behavior Is Characterized by Hallucinations, Delusions, Incoherent Speech, and Disorientation