Brief Psychotic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

What Is Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Brief psychotic disorder is a thought disorder that presents as an abrupt, abnormal appearance of psychosis. Individuals can have more than one brief psychotic experience, but their symptoms last no longer than one month and are unrelated to other diagnoses.^1,2,3,4

Brief Psychotic Disorder Vs. Schizophrenia

The main difference between brief psychotic disorder and schizophrenia is the timeframe of symptoms. A brief psychotic disorder lasts between 1-30 days. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is a long-term chronic condition. That said, people with histories of brief psychotic disorder may end up having a schizophrenia presentation or meeting the criteria for another disorder.

Brief Psychotic Disorder Vs. Schizophreniform

Brief psychotic disorder, as mentioned, lasts from 1-30 days. Schizophreniform disorder is another psychotic disorder where symptoms last for at least 1-6 months. The listed symptoms in both conditions are identical, but the timeline is different. People with histories of brief psychotic disorder may end up developing schizophreniform disorder over time.

What Is a Psychotic Break?

Psychotic breaks occur alongside other conditions, including substance-induced psychosis, physical health issues, or schizophrenia.^2,5,6,7 Psychotic breaks may not be as abrupt as brief psychotic disorder, and individuals may have worsening symptoms lasting more than one month.

How Common Is Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Statistics on the prevalence of brief psychotic disorder are limited. However, some research shows the incidence of a first-time psychotic episode is approximately 50 in 100,000 people. Psychosis can occur in children, but this occurrence is rare.⁸

Types of Brief Psychotic Disorder

Brief psychotic disorder symptoms last less than one month but can be severe, concerning, and confusing. Onset can be sudden. Other times, individuals report a known or possible stressor leading to psychotic symptoms. In other cases, childbirth or pregnancy-related complications can contribute to a brief psychotic disorder.

Three types of brief psychotic disorder are:

• Brief psychotic disorder with noted stressors: Also known as reactive psychosis, this type occurs after one or a series of overwhelming events.
• Brief psychotic disorder without noted stressors: This type of brief psychotic disorder occurs without a precursory stressor.⁴
• Brief psychotic disorder postpartum type: Postpartum psychosis may develop during pregnancy or the four weeks following birth.⁴

Symptoms of Brief Psychotic Disorder

Brief psychotic disorder is a break from reality. This condition results in a combination of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized or catatonic behavior, and disorganized speech that occur outside of physical health issues or drug use. Symptoms lasting longer than one month no longer meet the criteria for this condition.

Brief psychotic disorder symptoms may include:^3,4

• Hallucinations: Hallucinations refer to sensory perceptions that other people do not experience. Someone might hallucinate specific visual images or hear sounds that are not present.
• Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs about oneself or others. During psychosis, these thoughts can be grandiose, paranoid, or persecutory.
• Disorganized speech or thought process: Racing thoughts are common during psychotic episodes, and individuals may move quickly from topic to topic. Outsiders may struggle to track or understand these thought processes.
• Disorganized behavior: Disorganized behavior may emerge as odd responses to stimuli, such as laughing inappropriately, crying at strange times, or seemingly responding to internal stimuli.
• Catatonic behavior: Someone exhibiting catatonic behavior displays body inhibition or strange body movements otherwise abnormal in everyday presentation.
• Problems with memory: Someone experiencing a psychotic episode may have memory lapses and be unable to recall recent events.
• Confusion: Psychosis often coincides with confusion, and people may forget important details about their lives or present as disoriented to others.
• Physical changes: Psychosis can contribute to declined hygiene and grooming. Some people may also lose or gain rapid weight during this time.

What Causes Brief Psychotic Disorder?

Experts have not identified a single cause for psychotic disorders. Instead, they continue to examine potential risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition through quantitative data, brain imaging scans, and psychiatric reports. A combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors likely contribute to the presentation of brief psychotic disorder.

Four potential causes of brief psychotic disorder include:

• Major stress: Stress-induced psychosis can occur as an extreme response to chronic stress. This experience is rare and may more likely affect people with other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or major depression.
• Trauma: Some evidence suggests a relationship between people with psychosis and histories of childhood trauma.⁹
• Genetics: Research also shows a shared genetic component to psychotic disorders, including brief psychotic disorder.¹
• Childbirth: Postpartum psychosis is a distinct condition, but there may be a relationship between giving birth and experiencing psychosis at later points in life.
• Personality disorders: Some people with personality disorders also experience psychotic symptoms.
• Grief or loss: Some anecdotal narratives indicate people in acute stages of grief may have psychotic symptoms.
• Substance use: People who chronically use certain substances, like stimulants or cannabis, may be at a heightened risk for psychosis.
• Medications: Although rare, certain drugs, like antiantiepileptic, antimalarial, and antiretroviral drugs, may correlate with psychotic symptoms.¹¹

Complications Associated With Brief Psychotic Disorder

No two episodes of psychosis look identical. Predicting the likelihood of a psychotic episode is impossible, even if someone has experienced psychosis in the past. Like with any mental illness, recognizing the complications associated with brief psychotic disorder is essential. Mood-altering substances or another mental health issue may exacerbate these impacts.

Possible impacts of brief psychotic disorders include:

• Self-harm or suicide attempts
• Financial distress
• Relationship problems
• Violence to others
• Legal issues
• Job loss

How Long Does a Brief Psychotic Episode Last?

A brief psychotic episode lasts between 1-30 days. Symptoms lasting longer may indicate another condition, such as schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia. Obtaining an objective timeline of symptoms can be challenging, particularly when the individual cannot provide accurate information.

How Is Brief Psychotic Disorder Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers generally use psychiatric evaluations to diagnose brief psychotic disorders. These evaluations examine relevant medical, familial, and psychiatric information based on presenting symptoms. However, healthcare providers may recommend other tests, including labs, blood exams, neuroimaging, and drug tests, to rule out other possible conditions. They will also consider co-occurring disorders and drug use.

Brief Psychotic Disorder Treatment Options

Treatment for brief psychotic disorder can help reduce symptoms, teach coping mechanisms, and aid recovery. Individuals may benefit from various therapy techniques, medication, and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Family members can also be integral, as social support is a key factor in long-lasting relief and symptom management.

Therapy

Therapy can be an effective treatment tool for individuals with a history of brief psychotic disorder. Therapists can teach reality testing, symptom insight and awareness, and rational thought connection skills. An online therapist directory can assist you in finding the right therapist.

Therapy for brief psychotic disorder may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts to improve mood and behavioral functioning. This approach may help people manage stress and choose better coping mechanisms.
• Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET): CET can help people struggling with psychotic disorders improve their social and vocational skills.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT strives to improve psychological flexibility, which can help people experiencing psychosis and related stressors.
• Family therapy: Family therapy may be beneficial for teaching family members how to support their loved one. Families can also learn to identify and implement healthy boundaries.
• Group therapy: Group therapy offers peer support and camaraderie. Group members learn pertinent skills related to stress management, healthy relationships, self-esteem, and social skills.

Medication

Medication is an effective treatment for psychotic periods. Medication specifically for brief psychotic disorder does not yet exist, but various options can help reduce psychotic symptoms. Only a licensed professional, like a primary-care physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner, can prescribe meditation.^{5, 12}

Regarding psychosis, medication primarily reduces symptoms, enhances insight into delusions, stabilizes mood, and reduces associated complications. In some cases, injections or pills, like Lorazepam or Haldol, can calm the individual if they pose risks to themselves or others.

Hospitalization

An individual experiencing a psychotic episode may require hospitalization to stabilize symptoms. Inpatient or hospital treatments provide therapy and medication, often accompanied by discussions about outpatient treatment.²

Can Brief Psychotic Disorder Be Prevented?

Preventing brief psychotic disorder is unlikely–experts do not know if any mental illness is completely avoidable. Instead, being aware of possible risk factors, early warning signs, and treatment options can help provide the best outcomes. Getting help early may be one of the best strategies for ensuring treatment success.

Below are ways to help limit the chance and effects of brief psychotic disorder:

• Adhere to treatment recommendations: Aim to take medication as prescribed, and talk to your treatment team if you want to change your treatment goals. Collaboration and transparency are important for taking care of yourself.
• Limit stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so take proactive steps to manage feeling overwhelmed.
• Build a healthy support system: Feeling connected and validated by others is crucial when managing mental health symptoms. Prioritize maintaining healthy relationships with people who care about you.
• Be aware of potential warning signs: Psychotic symptoms can start abruptly, but many people will recognize early telltale signs. These may include a sudden deterioration of self-care or difficulties with focus and concentration.
• Avoid substance use: Drugs and alcohol may magnify the risk of psychosis, especially for people with histories of psychosis. As much as possible, consider reducing or abstaining from substance use altogether.

Final Thoughts

Brief psychotic disorder can be scary and challenging for the individual and their loved ones. Fortunately, help is available for those ready to seek professional guidance. You are not alone on this journey.