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Brief psychotic disorder
Brief reactive psychosis; Psychosis - brief psychotic disorder
Brief psychotic disorder is a sudden, short-term display of psychotic behavior, such as hallucinations or delusions, which occurs with a stressful event.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations involve sensing things such as visions, sounds, or smells that seem real but are not. These things are created by the mind.
Causes
Brief psychotic disorder is triggered by extreme stress, such as a traumatic accident or loss of a loved one. It is followed by a return to the previous level of function. The person may or may not be aware of the strange behavior.
This condition most often affects people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Those who have personality disorders are at high risk of having a brief reactive psychosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of brief psychotic disorder may include the following:
- Behavior that is odd or out of character
- False ideas about what is taking place (delusions)
- Hearing or seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations)
- Strange speech or language
The symptoms are not due to alcohol or other drug use, and they last longer than a day, but less than a month.
Exams and Tests
A psychiatric evaluation can confirm the diagnosis. A physical exam and laboratory testing can rule out medical illness as the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment
By definition, psychotic symptoms go away on their own in less than 1 month. In some cases, brief psychotic disorder can be the beginning of a more chronic psychotic condition, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder . Antipsychotic drugs can help decrease or stop the psychotic symptoms.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it hard to tell the difference between what is real and not real. It also makes it hard to think clearl...
Schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental condition that causes both a loss of contact with reality (psychosis) and mood problems (depression or mania)....
Talk therapy may also help you cope with the emotional stress that triggered the problem.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most people with this disorder have a good outcome. Repeat episodes may occur in response to stress.
Possible Complications
As with all psychotic illnesses, this condition can severely disrupt your life and possibly lead to violence and suicide.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with a mental health professional if you have symptoms of this disorder. If you are concerned for your safety or for the safety of someone else, call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
References
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013.
Freudenriech O, Brown HE, Holt DJ. Psychosis and schizophrenia. In: Stern TA, Fava M, Wilens TE, Rosenbaum JF, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 28.
Review Date: 2/21/2016
Reviewed By: Timothy Rogge, MD, Medical Director, Family Medical Psychiatry Center, Kirkland, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
