Diagnostic stability over 2 years in patients with acute and transient psychotic disorders

Objective: The nosological entity of acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD) as an independent diagnostic category has become a subject of controversial opinions. The present study aimed to follow-up the diagnostic stability of index episode of ATPD and to examine the influence of clinical and socio-demographic factors on the ATPD prognosis. Method: A sample of 153 (60.1% females; mean age 27.8 ± 8.2) first-admitted patients with ATPD was followed over 2 years. The clinical manifestations, global functioning and quality of life were regularly evaluated during follow-up period. Results: At the end of follow-up, the overall stability rate of ATPD, excluding the cases not readmitted until last assessment, reached 34%. The diagnostic transition was observed in 35.9% of the patients, mostly to schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. There was a significant deterioration in several clinical and social indicators among the patients who developed schizophrenia, compared with those with stable ATPD, wh...