Brief reactive psychosis (patient information)
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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Brief reactive psychosis is a sudden, short-term display of psychotic behavior, such as hallucinations or delusions, that occurs with a stressful event.
What are the symptoms of Brief reactive psychosis?
- Symptoms of brief reactive psychosis may include the following:
- Disorganized behavior
- 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 abuse and they last longer than a day, but less than a month.
What causes Brief reactive psychosis?
- Brief reactive psychosis is triggered by extreme stress (such as a traumatic accident or loss of a loved one), and 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. People who have personality disorders are at greater risk for having a brief reactive psychosis.
When to seek urgent medical care?
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 immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Diagnosis
- 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 options
- By definition, psychotic symptoms go away on their own in less than 1 month.
- In some cases, however, brief reactive psychosis 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.
- Talk therapy may also help you cope with the emotional stress that triggered the problem.
Where to find medical care for Brief reactive psychosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Brief reactive psychosis
What to expect (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.