Reactive Psychosis: Discrepancy Between Nosological Concepts and Descriptive Categories.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychopathology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Reactive psychosis (RP) is a trauma-induced mental health condition with a history of varied definitions.
• Its understanding has been influenced by differing perspectives on personal experiences and personality vulnerabilities.
• Historically, RP has been described globally but rarely studied within modern, symptom-based diagnostic frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the historical development of reactive psychosis from the early 20th century.
• To analyze its integration into contemporary psychiatric diagnostic classifications.
• To review empirical findings related to reactive psychosis.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of diagnostic criteria and literature.
• Review of psychiatric classification systems (DSM and ICD).
• Synthesis of empirical research on reactive psychosis.

Main Results:

• Terminology and diagnostic practices have historically impacted RP frequency estimates and validity.
• Diagnostic manuals (DSM, ICD) have revised RP, eventually replacing it with categories for short-lived psychotic disorders.
• Clinical observations during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight RP's persistence, yet current diagnostic categories are inadequate for its identification and research.

Conclusions:

• The evolution of diagnostic systems has complicated the study and recognition of reactive psychosis.
• Current diagnostic categories fail to adequately address reactive psychosis, impeding research and clinical identification.
• Further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for trauma-induced psychotic disorders like RP.