Which statement about Brief Reactive Psychosis is correct?

Which statement about Brief Reactive Psychosis is correct?

• A. It is a brief episode in response to markedly stressful events
• B. It is a chronic condition
• C. It is identical to schizophrenia
• D. It requires substance intoxication

Answer: (A)

Brief Reactive Psychosis describes an abrupt, short-lived psychotic episode that occurs in the setting of a markedly stressful event. The key idea is that psychotic symptoms—such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking—appear suddenly but remit quickly, with a return to baseline functioning within a brief period. This contrasts with schizophrenia, which involves a chronic course with persistent symptoms and functional impairment. It also isn’t defined by substance intoxication, although substances can precipitate psychosis; the defining feature here is the brief, stress-related onset and rapid recovery.

Brief Reactive Psychosis describes an abrupt, short-lived psychotic episode that occurs in the setting of a markedly stressful event. The key idea is that psychotic symptoms—such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking—appear suddenly but remit quickly, with a return to baseline functioning within a brief period. This contrasts with schizophrenia, which involves a chronic course with persistent symptoms and functional impairment. It also isn’t defined by substance intoxication, although substances can precipitate psychosis; the defining feature here is the brief, stress-related onset and rapid recovery.