Highlights & Basics
- Brief psychotic disorder (BPD) is a short-term disturbance that involves sudden onset of at least 1 positive psychotic symptom (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior).
- Episode lasts for a short duration (1 to 30 days), with return to full premorbid level of functioning; can occur in the presence or absence of a major stressor.
- Diagnosis can only be made if other drug-induced, medical, neurologic, or other psychiatric conditions can be excluded as causes.
- Postpartum BPD is probable when the onset of psychotic symptoms occurs within 4 weeks after giving birth.
- Treatment is with antipsychotic medication and follow-up care with a psychiatric specialist to monitor progress and reduce risk of recurrence.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th ed. Text revision. (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2022.
Fusar-Poli P, Salazar de Pablo G, Rajkumar RP, et al. Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of brief psychotic episodes: a review and research agenda. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022 Jan;9(1):72-83.[Abstract]
Kane JM, Leucht S, Carpenter D, et al. Optimizing pharmacologic treatment of psychotic disorders: the expert consensus guideline series. J Clin Psychiatry. 2003;64(12 suppl):1-100.[Abstract]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management. Mar 2014 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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