Introduction

Brief psychotic disorder is a time-limited condition that is characterized by ≥1 psychotic symptoms lasting ≥1 day and <1 month with a full return to premorbid levels of functioning.  The onset of symptoms is typically sudden and associated with a major life stressor.

Epidemiology and risk factors

The lifetime prevalence rate of brief psychotic disorder is estimated to be 0.01%, though is difficult to accurately measure due to its rarity.  Incidence rates are higher in specific populations such as natural disaster victims and refugees as well as postpartum women (1-2 of every 1000 births).  This condition is more likely to occur in women, and onset is typically in the mid- to late 30s.

Factors that may contribute to the risk of developing brief psychotic disorder include stressful life events (eg, bereavement, natural disaster), the peripartum period, and emigration from a resource-limited country.

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