People who experience a briefpsychotic disordermay suddenly begin to hear or see things that arent there.
They may exhibit bizarre behavior and have difficulty functioning.
Often, the symptoms disappear just as quickly as they appeared.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It can be a frightening and confusing experience for affected individuals and their loved ones.
Developing a better understanding of psychotic disorders can help.
Symptoms
By definition, the symptoms associated with brief psychotic disorder must resolve within one month.
Sometimes, the symptoms resolve before a diagnosis can even be made.
Diagnosis
A physician, psychiatrist, or mental health clinician can diagnose brief psychotic disorder.
A referral to a mental health professional can be made once physical health issues have been ruled out.
Treatment
The treatment may depend on the cause.
The death of a loved one, an assault, or a near-death experience may trigger the episode.
There may also be other factors that contribute to psychotic disorders, such as biology or genetics.
Brief psychotic disorders can run in families.
Treatment may include antipsychotic medication which may stop symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
Other medications, such as antidepressants might also be used.
Medications may only be necessary during psychotic episodes.
In some cases, psychotherapy can be an important part of treatment.
This may prevent an individual from experiencing another psychotic episode.
Experiencing a psychotic episode can be frightening.
Prognosis
The prognosis for brief psychotic disorder is good.
One study in Finland found the prevalence was about .05% among the general population.
There appear to be higher rates in populations that are under high stress.
Immigrants, refugees, and victims of natural disasters are more likely to exhibit brief psychotic disorder.
Its also more common in women and in those with personality disorders.
Coping
Education is key to coping with a brief psychotic disorder.
Individuals and families can benefit from learning about symptoms, warning signs, and treatment options.
Its important for families to know what to do if symptoms appear again.
Individuals with brief psychotic disorder may benefit from learning stress management strategies to help them cope with daily life.
Managing stress better may reduce the likelihood of experiencing another psychotic episode.
Rutigliano G, Manalo M, Fusar-Poli P.The Psychosis High-Risk State.
Key Issues in Mental Health Early Detection and Intervention in Psychosis.:55-68.
Archives of General Psychiatry.
2010;47(2):314-321. doi:10.1177/1363461510369191
Susser E.Epidemiology of Nonaffective Acute Remitting Psychosis vs Schizophrenia.
Archives of General Psychiatry.
2008;49(3):255-261. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2007.10.004
