Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate course and outcome of acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD).
Method: A sample of 73 first-hospitalized patients was evaluated after three to seven years in order to determine the frequency of relapses and to assess social adjustment.
Result: Forty-two percent experienced no relapse, 46% experienced relapses without developing marked deficits in social adjustment and 12% had relapses associated with a severe social impairment. At discharge from first hospitalization the last group was distinguishable from the other two with respect to negative and depressive symptoms as well as the total score of the Strauss-Carpenter scale.
Conclusion: Only a minority of first-hospitalized patients with ATPD develop a severe social impairment after three to seven years. This subgroup, however, is not compatible with the concept of a "transient" psychotic disturbance, but rather with an early manifestation of a chronic schizophrenic disorder.