DSM-III-R brief reactive psychosis and personality disorders

Reactive Psychosis: Discrepancy Between Nosological Concepts and Descriptive Categories

ABSTRACT

Reactive psychosis (RP) is a trauma-induced category whose meaning has varied in relation to the role attributed to lived experiences or vulnerable personality. It has long been described in different countries, but seldom investigated under the influence of symptom-based psychiatric classifications. This article aims to examine the development of RP since the early 20th century, outline how it has been incorporated in modern diagnostic classifications, and set out empirical findings. It is likely that variations in terminology and diagnostic practice have affected estimates of the frequency and hampered the validity of RP in earlier studies. To enhance reliability, RP underwent several changes in successive Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and ICD versions and was eventually replaced with descriptive categories for short-lived psychotic disorders. Clinical observations during the COVID-19 pandemic attest the durability of RP, but the current categories prove unhelpful in identifying it and have failed to encourage research.

Acute and transient psychotic disorder: comorbidity with personality disorder

A study sample of 51 patients with acute and transient psychotic disorder (ATPD) (ICD-10) is presented. The findings suggest that, in hospital settings, ATPD is a non-frequent condition with onset in early adult life and most often associated with female sex, good premorbid social functioning and no or minor/moderate psychosocial stressors. The DSM-IV criteria distribute the patients into three diagnostic categories: schizophreniform disorder (41%), brief psychotic disorder (33%) and psychotic disorder not otherwise classified (25%). A high prevalence (63%) of personality disorders (PD) is revealed after recovery from the psychotic episode. The ATPD is not related to any specific PD, and in a substantial minority (37%) of cases no PD is found. The unspecified category is by far the most frequent PD in patients with ATPD. The sample will be followed up and reassessed.