Which disorder's diagnostic criteria require the presence of 1+ of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly abnormal psychomotor behaviors?

Which disorder's diagnostic criteria require the presence of 1+ of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly abnormal psychomotor behaviors?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Schizophreniform Disorder
• C. Delusional Disorder
• D. Brief Psychotic Disorder

Answer: (D)

This item hinges on how DSM criteria separate psychotic disorders by both the number of symptoms and how long they last. Brief Psychotic Disorder is defined by having one or more of the classic psychotic symptoms—delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior—and, crucially, by a brief duration: at least one day but less than one month, with full return to the previous level of functioning after that period. That combination—any one of these core symptoms plus a very short course with complete remission—distinguishes Brief Psychotic Disorder from other conditions. Schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder require two or more of the characteristic symptoms (with at least one being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech) and persist for a longer time (schizophrenia at least six months total, with active-phase symptoms lasting at least one month; schizophreniform is similar but shorter in duration). Delusional Disorder centers on fixed, persistent delusions without the broader array of disorganized behavior or speech that would characterize the other psychotic disorders. So, the best answer is the one that emphasizes a single or more of the key psychotic symptoms plus a brief, self-limited course with full recovery, which is the hallmark of Brief Psychotic Disorder.

This item hinges on how DSM criteria separate psychotic disorders by both the number of symptoms and how long they last. Brief Psychotic Disorder is defined by having one or more of the classic psychotic symptoms—delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior—and, crucially, by a brief duration: at least one day but less than one month, with full return to the previous level of functioning after that period.

That combination—any one of these core symptoms plus a very short course with complete remission—distinguishes Brief Psychotic Disorder from other conditions. Schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder require two or more of the characteristic symptoms (with at least one being delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech) and persist for a longer time (schizophrenia at least six months total, with active-phase symptoms lasting at least one month; schizophreniform is similar but shorter in duration). Delusional Disorder centers on fixed, persistent delusions without the broader array of disorganized behavior or speech that would characterize the other psychotic disorders.

So, the best answer is the one that emphasizes a single or more of the key psychotic symptoms plus a brief, self-limited course with full recovery, which is the hallmark of Brief Psychotic Disorder.