Toward an operationalization of reactive paranoid psychoses (reactive delusional disorder)

Reactive psychoses are relatively often diagnosed in Norway, although they are not operationalized in any classificatory system and the reliability may be questioned. The aim of this study was to define a group of reactive paranoid psychoses and compare its long-term outcome to the group of nonreactive paranoid psychoses and to paranoid schizophrenia. Approximately 200 out of 301 delusional subjects earlier studied by Retterstöl have recently been interviewed semistructurally, making a total follow-up period of 22-38 years. Diagnoses at discharge have been assessed retrospectively before the present interview, with a polydiagnostic approach. Based upon Kendler's criteria of delusional disorder and influenced by Jaspers, the concept of reactive delusional disorder has been operationalized. Results from the first 125 interviews show 31 cases of Kendler's delusional disorder, of which 16 are diagnosed as reactive delusional disorder. Outcome in this group is most favorable, and especially good outcome is found in acute reactive delusional disorder.