Brief Psychotic disorders

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A brief psychotic disorder consists of delusions and hallucinations, or psychotic symptoms lasting at least 1 day but no longer than 1 month. After the episode, the patient returns to a normal level of functioning.

Question 2

Etiology

Answer 2

The exact cause is UNKNOWN but stressful life condition has been described:

• Trauma
• Death of a loved one
• Immigration
• Postpartum period (within 4 weeks of birth)

Brief psychotic disorder without a marked, stressful life condition may be explained by genetics, neurologic factors, or other environmental factors.

Question 3

CLASSIFICATION

Answer 3

• Brief psychotic disorder with obvious stressor
• Brief psychotic disorder without obvious stressor
• Brief psychotic disorder with postpartum onset

Question 4

CLINICAL FEATURES

Answer 4

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts
• Speech or language that doesn’t make sense(e.g frequent derailment/incoherence)
• Unusual behaviour & dress(Grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour)
• Problems with memory
• Disorientation or confusion
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits ; energy level ; or weight

Question 5

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for brief psychotic disorder includes:

Answer 5

A. Presence of 1 or more of the following symptoms. At least one of these must be 1; 2 or 3

1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech  
4. Disorganized behavior  
5. Catatonic behaviour

B. Duration: > 1 day and < 1 month
Full return to the normal level of function before the disease.

C. The disturbance occurs independent of MDD/ Bipolar disorder with psychotic features or other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or catatonia and is not attribuabed by the physiological effects of a substance (drug abuse, a medication) or another medical condition.