Last reviewed:
Nov 21st 2022
PharmD, BCPS
Brief Psychotic Disorder is the sudden presence of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions, lasting at least one day but less than one month, often brought on by trauma or stress. Typical treatment options include antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy. Diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) require that the individual's symptoms cannot be due to another psychosis, drug or alcohol abuse, or medication side effects. If the individual had symptoms lasting longer than one month, it would indicate the individual had a different psychiatric disorder. [1]
According to DSM-5, Brief Psychotic Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition lasting from one day to one month. Stressful and traumatic events are common triggers. The main symptoms of the disorder include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and catatonic behavior. Individuals with the condition often experience overwhelming emotional distress and confusion. [1]
Individuals with the disorder cannot function at their typical level. The following is likely:
There are three forms of brief psychotic disorder:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5), is the primary reference for psychiatric diagnoses. According to DSM-5, a diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder requires that an individual's symptoms are sudden, that they last no longer than one month, and that they are experiencing at least one of the following key symptoms:
A medical or mental health professional, such as a physician or psychiatrist, references DSM-5 criteria to diagnose a patient exhibiting symptoms. In addition, a healthcare provider will interview the patient and those close to them to obtain a complete medical and psychiatric history.
No specific test diagnoses a patient with the disorder, so doctors may order diagnostic tests to rule out other psychiatric or medical causes for the patient's symptoms. Tests may include lab tests for electrolytes, pregnancy, glucose levels, liver, thyroid, urine toxicology, and bloodwork to check for possible drug overdose or withdrawal. [1]
The doctor may take blood and urine and order other diagnostic procedures, including brain imaging (MRI, CT) and heart monitoring (ECG). The provider assesses what level of care the patient requires. In some severe cases, the individual may require hospitalization. [1]
There is no known cause for brief psychotic disorder, but several theories exist:
Standard treatment for brief psychotic disorder typically consists of medication to treat symptoms and psychotherapy (also referred to as therapy).
Medication: Although the FDA hasn't approved a specific medicine to treat the disorder, doctors may prescribe antipsychotic or antidepressant medications to help manage or eliminate symptoms. Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines to help calm aggression, severe anxiety, or problems sleeping. [9]
These include second-generation or "atypical" antipsychotic medications, such as:
First-generation or "typical" antipsychotic drugs include:
Benzodiazepines may include:
Psychotherapy (Therapy):
This form of therapy uses different approaches to help the patient become aware of their thought patterns, how they interact with others and how they may communicate with others. It can help patients learn to find ways to improve coping skills and how they handle and approach emotional and traumatic stressors. [7]
Another essential element of therapy includes patient and family education about the disorder, education, medications, and the need to maintain a robust support system for the patient, as well as stressing the importance of adhering to medication, therapy, and treatment plan to help prevent recurrent psychotic episodes.[7]
According to the American Psychological Association, there are five different types of psychotherapies. These include the following:
It is important to practice self-care as it affects our emotional, psychological, physical, and mental well-being. It helps to ease daily stress and gives the body and mind a chance to rest and re-set to a healthy state. In addition, self-care can boost mood, energy, happiness, and attention and decrease negative feelings such as sadness, frustration, and anger, which is vital for good physical health.
The following steps can help you feel better and get back on track:
Watching someone experience a trauma or stress-induced episode of psychosis can be scary, stressful, and emotional. It can be hard to know what to do, but some ways people can help a loved one include the following:
Brief psychotic disorder is not common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are about 100,000 new instances of psychosis reported annually in the U.S. [8], with brief psychotic disorder accounting for about 9% of those first-onset U.S. cases. [1]
A World Health Organization (WHO) study reported that developing countries were ten times more likely to experience cases of BPD than industrialized countries. The disorder is more in women, individuals with a personality disorder, and in developing countries. [9]
Resources: