Which medication is considered first-line treatment for brief psychotic disorder?

• A. Olanzapine
• B. Risperidone
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Quetiapine

Answer: (B)

In the treatment of brief psychotic disorder, antipsychotic medications are commonly utilized. Among these, risperidone is often considered a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness in addressing symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The choice of risperidone is based on its strong efficacy profile for managing acute psychotic symptoms with a relatively favorable side effect profile compared to other antipsychotics.

Risperidone works by antagonizing dopamine D2 receptors, which is pivotal in mitigating the dopaminergic overactivity often seen in psychotic disorders. The rapid onset of action and the ability to stabilize mood and psychotic symptoms make it a suitable choice for brief episodes of psychosis.

Other options, while they may be effective in broader contexts, are not recognized as first-line treatments for brief psychotic disorder. For example, olanzapine is another antipsychotic but may be considered more often for chronic conditions. Fluoxetine is primarily an antidepressant and not typically used in the context of brief psychotic episodes, while quetiapine, though an atypical antipsychotic that can address certain psychotic symptoms, does not have the same level of established first-line status as risperidone in this specific context