From Bouffée Délirante to Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder: Concept Review in the Context of a Clinical Case

Abstract

Introduction: Since the 19th century, psychotic disorders of sudden onset and limited duration have been described. Although ‘Bouffeé Délirante’ was the first concept to be described, throughout the history of Psychiatry various nosological entities have appeared in the different schools: Cycloid Psychosis, Psychogenic Psychosis, Atypical Psychosis, among others.

Objectives: In this article, in the context of a clinical case, the authors propose to review the historical concepts of Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorders.

Methods: Description of a clinical case and review of the literature.

Results: Clinical case of a 44-year-old patient with acute onset psychotic symptoms and limited duration, with complete remission in three days and return to normal functioning level.

Discussion and Conclusions: In spite of the divergences between the different theoretical conceptions that have remained for decades as independent entities, these concepts are currently grouped in the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) under the category of Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorders. Although these classifications do not include all the clinical features initially described in seeking to establish more specific diagnostic criteria, there’s still a significant percentage of patients in whom the diagnosis changed toa chronic mental
illness.