An Overview Of Brief Psychotic Disorder
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When symptoms of psychosis occur for one month or less, they may signify brief psychotic disorder, a condition listed in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. Symptoms may include out-of-character behavior, hallucinations, delusions, and incoherent speech. In addition, the disorder has three subtypes, depending on the circumstances surrounding the condition. In some cases, people experience this condition more than once, but it is often temporary. Understanding this condition can help you determine whether it's occurring in your life and how to find support if needed.
What is brief psychotic disorder?
Brief psychotic disorder is a condition marked by psychosis lasting for one day to one month.
Brief psychotic disorder symptoms can include:
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Delusional behavior based on incorrect or misinterpreted beliefs
- Incoherent speech
- Out-of-character behavior
- A lack of sleep
A person experiencing brief psychotic disorder may experience one or more symptoms. However, the factor that separates brief psychotic disorder from other psychotic disorders is the time the person experiences the related symptoms. The symptoms of brief psychotic disorder last no longer than one month, whereas a person with another psychotic disorder can have ongoing symptoms.
Types of brief psychotic disorder
There are three distinct types of brief psychotic disorder, including the following.
Brief psychotic disorder with an obvious stressor
This type of psychotic disorder is often called brief reactive psychosis. When a person experiences a traumatic event like the death of a loved one or a natural disaster, they may briefly experience the psychotic symptoms above. In this case, the reason behind these symptoms is often apparent.
Brief psychotic disorder with no obvious stressor
A psychotic disorder with no obvious stressor occurs when no traumatic or stressful event prompts psychosis. However, the symptoms only last one month or less and may not reoccur.
Brief psychotic disorder with postpartum onset
This form of brief psychotic disorder is often called postpartum psychosis and occurs after the birth or adoption of a new child. It can occur a few days after birth or up to a year afterward. Parents experiencing postpartum psychosis may require inpatient support. Reach out to a professional if you're experiencing the symptoms above and have recently had or adopted a child.
Who is at risk for brief psychotic disorder?
A combination of genetics, psychological risk factors, and the environment a person lives in may impact the risk. Brief psychotic episodes may most likely occur when a person is between 20 and 50 years old. It may also have a hereditary factor. In addition, those with another mental illness may be more likely to experience brief psychosis. Psychosis is often a symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes and may also last under a month, although it is not directly related to brief psychotic disorder.
How is brief psychotic disorder diagnosed?
Proper diagnosis of mental health disorders can be critical to receiving treatment. A physical exam and lab tests can help doctors rule out other medical issues that could be causing the symptoms of brief psychotic disorder. Afterward, your doctor may refer you to a mental health provider for further symptom analysis.
People who have experienced brief psychotic disorder may be at risk of experiencing depression as well. The symptoms of brief psychotic disorder can sometimes lead to harmful actions, such as violent behavior and suicidal thoughts. Seek proper diagnosis and treatment for any mental health concerns, including brief psychotic disorder and depressive psychosis, to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of harm to oneself or others.
Will brief psychotic disorder come back?
Although possible, brief psychotic disorder often occurs once or twice in an individual's life instead of reoccurring. Looking at the circumstances surrounding this diagnosis and your symptoms may help you assess the risk of further symptoms. For example, if your psychosis occurred due to grief, you might prepare for similar symptoms around future losses. If the psychosis occurred for no apparent reason, you might talk to a psychologist to develop a safety plan for the future.
Potential methods of prevention of Brief Psychotic Disorder
If you have a history of mental illness in your family or have experienced brief psychotic disorder before, you may wish to consider your options for prevention, including but not limited to the following.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may keep brief psychotic disorder from occurring or returning in some cases. CBT allows individuals to examine how their thoughts impact their feelings and behavior. Reframing maladaptive thoughts may give you more control over your emotions and actions.
Social support: A key to recovery and treatment
Family and friends can play a role in recovering and preventing brief psychotic disorder. Studies have found that a solid support system is linked to improved mental health. Your loved ones can also learn what symptoms to watch for to help you receive treatment if needed. When experiencing psychosis, some people aren't able to connect with reality. A social system can help them return to reality or find a provider who can fully care for them during the episode.
Postpartum psychosis experts
If you have previously experienced brief psychotic disorder after giving birth, you may choose to discuss your options with a licensed professional before future pregnancies. In some cases, individuals choose to avoid future pregnancies altogether or adopt a child instead.
Treatment options for brief psychotic disorder
Although brief psychotic disorder lasts for less than a month, waiting a month for symptoms to disappear might be risky before seeking professional help. Seek help immediately if you experience any symptoms of psychosis.
Managing psychosis symptoms: Medication and therapy
The two primary forms of treatment for this disorder may include medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The latter can help people with brief psychotic disorder understand and work through how their thoughts may affect their behavior. This technique can help patients who have experienced trauma understand how their experiences might impact their mindset.
A licensed medical professional may prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms of brief psychotic disorder. However, consult your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication.
Finding support
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help to prevent brief psychotic disorder in some cases. However, traditional in-office therapy may not be convenient for everyone experiencing the aftermath of psychosis. Through an online platform like BetterHelp, you can connect virtually with a professional with experience in treating similar challenges.
One study found that online CBT could effectively treat various mental health conditions. If you believe you'd benefit from working with a professional, online CBT can allow you to practice cognitive restructuring and other practices from home or any environment with an internet connection.
Note that while online therapy can help individuals discuss the impacts of prior psychosis episodes or as a supplement to other treatments, it is often recommended to seek out in-person and immediate support if you are in crisis or actively experiencing hallucinations and delusions.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What mental disorder has delusions and hallucinations?
Psychosis is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, confusion, and behavioral changes (like lethargy, irritability, or catatonic behavior). Disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual; Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that can cause psychotic features include:
- Affective disorders, including mood disorders like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder
- Postpartum psychosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Brief psychotic disorder (BPD), which is characterized by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms
- Some personality disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, or antisocial personality disorder
Other things that can cause psychosis include head trauma, brain tumors, substance use, certain medications, medical conditions, illnesses like COVID-19 (according to J Clin Psychiatry), extreme sleep deprivation, a strong psychiatric history, and low blood sugar. The overlapping symptoms between some disorders can lead medical providers to make a “differential diagnosis,” meaning that further testing is required to determine what condition is responsible for symptoms.
After receiving a diagnosis, psychosis can often be effectively treated with antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and social support.
What part of the brain causes hallucinations?
The regions of the brain thought to be responsible for hallucinations include the sensory cortex, insula, putamen, and hippocampus.
What is the main treatment for psychosis?
The primary treatment for psychosis is antipsychotic medications. Before prescribing them, a medical practitioner will likely ask questions about your family history and conduct a physical examination. In some cases, providers may order imaging or a serum pregnancy test for people assigned to female sex at birth. They may conduct psychological testing or refer you to a mental health professional licensed to diagnose mental health conditions.
Typical antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine receptors, whereas second-generation drugs target dopamine and serotonin, and next-generation antipsychotics attach to specific acetylcholine receptors. The American Psychiatric Association recommends combining medication management with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the most effective treatment.
What is the best therapy for delusions?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely considered the gold standard for brief psychotic episodes, delusions, affective disorders, personality disorders, and many other disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy may not necessarily cause complete remission of psychosis, but it can help people experiencing major stress, psychotic behaviors, and poor coping skills manage their symptoms.
What do antipsychotic medications act on and which are usually helpful in treating psychotic symptoms?
Different antipsychotic medications work in different ways. For example, individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders may be prescribed first-generation antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors. However, first-generation antipsychotics can cause unwanted side effects (like lethargy), leading some to switch to next-generation antipsychotics that target acetylcholine receptors.
The best antipsychotic medication depends on symptoms (like hallucinations, agitation, or disorganized speech), symptom severity, side effects, and diagnoses.
How long does it take to recover from a brief psychotic disorder?
Before understanding recovery, it’s a good idea to start with a BPD introduction. Brief psychotic disorder (BPD) is one of several transient psychotic disorders. It’s characterized by short duration and sudden episodes of psychosis followed by full remission. BPD and future relapses are often triggered by a marked stressor, such as a serious illness diagnosis (like lung cancer or an autoimmune disease) or the death of a loved one.
What does a psychotic episode look like?
A psychotic episode may include the following symptoms:
- Grossly disorganized thinking or rapid thoughts
- Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
- Severe mood swings
- Withdrawal from others
- High sensitivity to certain stimuli
- Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
What can cause psychosis?
Current theory suggests the risk factors that can increase someone’s diagnostic trajectory toward psychosis include:
- Genetics: There is a genetic link to psychosis, meaning that individuals with a family history may be at a higher risk of developing psychosis themselves.
- Family factors: Childhood experiences and family criticism are associated with psychosis, especially in developing countries.
- Environment: Environmental components, like lead or mercury exposure, food deprivation, trauma, and other stressful situations can increase the risk of psychosis.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions: In the general population, the lifetime prevalence of psychosis is about 3%, whereas most people with schizophrenia will experience at least one psychotic episode. Other mental disorders, like major depressive disorders, also increase the risk of psychosis.
- Brain injuries: A traumatic brain injury, stroke, and high fevers can increase the risk of psychosis.
Can you have mild psychosis?
Yes, according to the University of Michigan, some people experience mild psychosis symptoms that may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder. Early manifestations of psychosis tend to be less severe, according to a first-episode psychosis study. During this time, Arch Gen Psychiatry suggests treatment may be most effective.
Getting mental health treatment as soon as possible may not prevent patients from experiencing future episodes of psychosis, but it can reduce symptom severity and improve coping skills according to J Clin Psychiatry.
What is the shortest psychosis?
Nonaffective acute remitting psychosis (NARP) is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), rather it describes psychotic episodes with sudden onset and short duration. Cycloid psychosis, acute polymorphic psychotic disorder, and reactive psychosis are often considered nonaffective acute remitting psychoses.
Brief psychotic disorder is also a short-term type of psychosis, and it is included in the DSM-5.
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