A 25-year-old woman presents with a 3-week episode of prominent auditory hallucinations and grandiose delusions. She has no prior psychiatric history. Physical examination and labs are normal. Her symptoms resolve completely within 4 weeks of onset. According to DSM-5, what is the MOST appropriate diagnosis?

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

Explanation

Brief psychotic disorder (DSM-5) requires the sudden onset of at least one positive psychotic symptom lasting at least 1 day but less than 1 month, with full return to premorbid functioning. This patient's episode lasted 3–4 weeks and resolved completely, fitting brief psychotic disorder. Schizophreniform disorder requires symptoms lasting 1–6 months. Schizophrenia requires at least 6 months. Delusional disorder is characterized by non-bizarre delusions without other prominent psychotic features.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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