A patient presents with psychosis for the past 5 months. What disorder are they likely experiencing?

In this scenario, the duration of the psychosis is key to identifying the likely disorder. The patient has experienced psychosis for five months, which aligns with the diagnostic criteria for Schizophreniform disorder. This condition is characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, but lasts for at least one month and less than six months.

Schizophrenia itself requires symptoms to persist for at least six months for a diagnosis to be made. Therefore, while the patient exhibits signs consistent with schizophrenia, they have not met the necessary duration for that diagnosis.

Delusional disorder typically presents with non-bizarre delusions lasting one month or longer, but it does not encompass the broader range of psychotic symptoms, such as those seen in this patient's presentation.

Acute stress disorder involves symptoms related to a traumatic event, such as flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance, but does not focus primarily on the psychosis that the patient is experiencing over the five-month duration.

The symptoms and their duration clearly indicate that Schizophreniform disorder is the most fitting diagnosis in this case.