Brief psychotic disorder is best defined as: sudden onset psychotic symptoms lasting less than one month. Which option describes this condition?

• A. Schizophreniform disorder
• B. Brief psychotic disorder
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Delusional disorder

Answer: (B)

The defining idea here is a sudden, short-lived outbreak of psychotic symptoms that resolves completely within a brief period. Brief psychotic disorder involves a rapid onset of psychotic symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior) lasting less than one month, with full return to the person’s premorbid functioning afterward. This brief, self-limited course sets it apart from longer-lasting conditions like schizophreniform disorder (symptoms persist for more than one month but less than six months) and schizophrenia (symptoms endure for six months or more with impairment). Delusional disorder, by contrast, features persistent delusions for at least one month with relatively preserved functioning and without prominent disorganization or hallucinations. The key takeaway is the abrupt onset and complete remission within a month.