Schizoaffective and Brief Psychotic Disorders

A 32-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by police after he was found standing in the middle of a busy street, shouting that aliens were controlling his mind. According to his wife, he had been completely well until 2 days ago, when he suddenly became paranoid, stopped sleeping, and started hearing voices. She reports that he has no prior history of psychiatric illness, no substance use, and no recent stressors. Physical examination is unremarkable, and routine investigations (CBC, electrolytes, thyroid function, urine drug screen) are all normal. He has no fever or signs of infection. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 32-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by police after he was found standing in the middle of a busy street, shouting that his thoughts were being broadcast on television. He has no prior psychiatric history and reports that symptoms began acutely 5 days ago after a significant stressor (job loss). His wife reports he has been sleeping poorly but denies any persistent mood symptoms. Mental status examination reveals ideas of reference, auditory hallucinations, and paranoid ideation. There is no evidence of substance use or medical illness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Brief psychotic disorder is characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms lasting for a minimum of 1 day but less than which duration?

A 28-year-old woman presents to the psychiatry outpatient clinic with her husband. She reports that for the past 3 weeks, she has experienced auditory hallucinations (hearing voices commenting on her actions) and beliefs that her thoughts are being broadcast on television. Concurrently, she has had a depressed mood, anhedonia, and feelings of worthlessness. Her husband confirms that her mood disturbance has been prominent and persistent throughout this period. She denies any prior psychiatric history or substance use. Mental status examination reveals psychomotor retardation, flat affect, and organized delusions. What is the most likely diagnosis?

What is the maximum duration of psychotic symptoms required for a diagnosis of Brief Psychotic Disorder?