Brief Psychotic Disorder duration criteria falls between which time frame?

• A. At least 2 weeks
• B. Exactly 3 months
• C. At least 1 day but <1 month
• D. At least 6 months

Answer: (C)

The key feature being tested is how long the psychotic symptoms last. Brief psychotic disorder is defined by a sudden onset of one or more psychotic symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking) that lasts at least one day but less than one month, with full return to premorbid functioning. If symptoms continue beyond one month, the diagnosis changes to a longer-duration psychotic disorder (schizophreniform disorder when they’re between one and six months, or schizophrenia if six months or more). That’s why the correct timeframe is “at least 1 day but less than 1 month.”