American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The statement about the necessity of a clear stressor for the diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder is indeed inaccurate. Brief psychotic disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, which can include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. While stressors may often be present, they are not a required component for diagnosis. This distinguishes it from other disorders, such as adjustment disorders, where a clear stressor is an integral part of the presentation.

In terms of the other options, after the resolution of a brief psychotic episode, patients typically return to their baseline level of functioning, emphasizing the transient nature of this disorder. The duration of symptoms falling within the range of 1 day to 1 month aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, reinforcing the definition of the disorder. It is also true that both brief psychotic disorder and other psychotic disorders can present with hallucinations, which is a common symptom across a variety of psychotic conditions. Thus, the statement about the need for a clear stressor is not correct within the context of this disorder's diagnostic criteria.