Compare schizophrenia and the "other psychotic disorders" (schizophreniform, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, folie à deux, brief psychotic disorder) in terms of symptoms, duration, and outcome

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Some people may experience the symptoms of schizophrenia for a very short duration (less than one month). This is brief psychotic disorder. If the symptoms persist for one to six months, then it is shizophreniform disorder. People with schizoaffective disorder display the symptoms of both schizophrenia and the mood disorders. The prognosis is similar to the prognosis for people with schizophrenia—that is, individuals tend not to get better on their own and are likely to continue experiencing major life difficulties for many years.
Delusional disorder is a persistent belief that is contrary to reality. It can take several forms. The erotomanic type is the irrational belief that one is loved by another person, usually of higher status or famous. The grandiose type involves believing in one's inflated worth, power, knowledge, identity, or special relationship to a deity or famous person. The persecutory type involves believing oneself is being malevolently treated in some way. And the somatic type involves the person feeling afflicted by a physical defect or general medical condition.
Shared psychotic disorder is the condition in which an individual develops delusions as the result of a close relationship with a delusional individual. The content and nature of the delusion originate with the partner and can range from the relatively bizarre, such as believing enemies are sending harmful gamma rays through your house, to the fairly ordinary, such as believing you are about to receive a major promotion despite evidence to the contrary.