A 20 year old boy complains of hearing voices and aggressive behavior for last 2 days. He had persistent high fever before the onset of these symptoms. The family members repo that he has been muttering to self and gesticulating as if he is talking to someone. There is no history of any past psychiatric illness. The likely diagnosis is:-
Acute Psychosis =Duration of symptoms < 1 month. =Often preceeded by stressor (fever being a common stressor, hence don't get confused.) =Symptoms similar to schizophrenia (Delusions, hallucinations, disorganisation) =often resolve completely Treatment: Antipsychotics and/or Benzodiazepines as and if needed. In this case if the history also mentioned disturbances of consciousness or history of disorientation, the likely diagnosis would be delirium. Hallmark of Delirium Impaired consciousness Develops quickly Fluctuating course with lucid intervals Hallmark of Dementia Loss of memory and intellectual abilities Develops slowly Progressive downhill course
Dementia
Acute psychosis
Delirium
Delusional disorder
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders