A 22-year-old university student presents with a sudden two-week episode of auditory hallucinations, grandiose delusions, and disorganised speech following a break-up. He had no prior psychiatric history. A full medical work-up is negative. All psychotic symptoms resolve completely after three weeks. What is the most accurate diagnosis?
- A Schizophreniform disorder
- B Brief psychotic disorder ✓
- C Schizophrenia
- D Delusional disorder
Correct answer: B. Brief psychotic disorder
Explanation
Brief psychotic disorder is defined as at least one positive psychotic symptom lasting more than one day but less than one month, with full return to premorbid functioning; it may follow a marked stressor. Schizophreniform disorder requires one to six months of symptoms. Schizophrenia requires at least six months total duration including prodromal or residual phases. Delusional disorder involves non-bizarre delusions without prominent hallucinations.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.