What proportion of Brief Psychotic Disorder cases do not transition to schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders?

• A. More than 50%
• B. About 50%
• C. Less than 50%
• D. 0%

Answer: (C)

Brief Psychotic Disorder often presents with a sudden episode of psychosis that fully remits within about a month. The important teaching point is that while complete recovery is common, there is a real risk that some individuals later meet criteria for a schizophrenia-spectrum or other persistent psychotic disorder. When you look at long-term follow-up data across different studies, the proportion of cases that never progress to a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder tends to be less than half. That’s why the option stating less than half do not transition is considered the best choice among the provided options.

Keep in mind that exact figures vary by study and population, and factors such as age at onset, postpartum onset, family history of psychosis, incomplete remission, and persistent residual symptoms can influence long-term outcomes.