## Duration Criterion for Brief Psychotic Disorder **Key Point:** Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms that last **at least 1 day but less than 1 month**, with eventual full return to baseline functioning. ### Diagnostic Timeline 1. **Onset**: Sudden (within days) 2. **Duration of psychosis**: ≥1 day and <1 month 3. **Resolution**: Return to premorbid level of functioning 4. **Total episode duration**: Typically 2–4 weeks ### DSM-5 Criteria Summary | Criterion | Brief Psychotic Disorder | | --- | --- | | Psychotic symptoms present | ≥1 day, <1 month | | Onset | Sudden | | Return to baseline | Yes, complete | | Stressor required | May be present (psychotic disorder with marked stressor) | | Substance/medical cause | Ruled out | **High-Yield:** The "1 day to 1 month" window is the exam-tested boundary. If symptoms last ≥1 month, consider schizophreniform disorder (1–6 months) or schizophrenia (>6 months). **Clinical Pearl:** Brief Psychotic Disorder often follows a severe psychosocial stressor (postpartum, major loss, trauma). Good prognosis and rapid recovery are hallmarks. **Mnemonic:** **BPD-1M** = Brief Psychotic Disorder lasts 1 day to 1 Month. [cite:DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]
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