Brief psychotic disorder (BPD), also known as brief reactive psychosis, looks just like schizophrenia but is short-lived and typically presents with a much more favorable prognosis.

You will often encounter patients with schizophrenia, particularly during exacerbations that lead to psychiatric holds and inpatient hospitalizations.

Although DSM-5 lists a variety of cognitive functions that can be impaired in dementia (see fact sheet on differential diagnosis in dementia), by far the most important aspect of the assessment is forgetfulness—specifically, rapid forgetting.

For patients in hospital psychiatric units, sleep disturbances are not uncommon.

Patients with bulimia nervosa often present with complex challenges, including the cycle of binge eating and purging, as well as associated medical complications.

Adult ADHD can become a contentious issue on the inpatient unit, primarily because the treatment of choice, psychostimulants, is a substance of abuse for some people.

Patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) may be admitted to adult inpatient units for a range of issues, often related to self-harm or impulsive violence toward caregivers. 

Dr. Hendrick and Dr. Carlat have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

The 1968 case of Tatiana Tarasoff and Prosenjit Poddar in Oakland, California, brought significant changes to mental health law. 

Patients who deliberately swallow objects are among the most challenging you’ll work with.