Final answer:
Brooke may have a psychotic disorder given her symptoms of hearing voices and difficulty with speech, which have lasted for several months. Brief Psychotic Disorder involves a short duration of symptoms, while schizophrenia presents with similar symptoms over a longer period. Professional evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist is required for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the description of Brooke's experience with hearing voices, having trouble speaking, and engaging in repetitive pacing and muttering, it's possible that she could be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. However, to determine whether this would be a Brief Psychotic Disorder, it's important to consider the duration and onset of the symptoms. Brief Psychotic Disorder is typically characterized by a sudden onset of psychosis symptoms that last at least one day but less than one month, and the individual fully returns to the pre-morbid level of functioning after the episode. Brooke's symptoms seem chronic and persistent over several months, which might suggest another diagnosis like schizophrenia, which involves a range of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, speech disturbances, and disorganized behavior.
Moreover, the treatment for psychotic disorders often includes antipsychotic medications, which work by adjusting the balance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, in the brain. In the case of schizophrenia, long-term medication is usually required. In contrast, if Brooke's symptoms were part of a Brief Psychotic Disorder, they would be expected to resolve on their own within a month. Given the complexity of diagnosing mental health conditions, Brooke must seek professional medical advice from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who can conduct a comprehensive assessment and deliver an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.