If symptoms are present, the doctor will perform a complete
medical history and physical examination. Although there are no laboratory
tests to specifically diagnose brief psychotic disorder, the doctor may use
various tests—such as x-rays or blood tests—to rule out physical illness
as the cause of the symptoms.
If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or
she may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health
professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses.
Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment
tools to evaluate a person for a psychotic disorder. Brief psychotic disorder
occurs when a person has psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations
and disorganized thinking, for less than one month, after which time the
symptoms go away completely.
How Is Brief Psychotic Disorder Treated?
Treatment for brief psychotic disorder typically includes
psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and/or medication. Hospitalization may be
necessary if the symptoms are severe or if there is a risk that the person may
harm him or herself, or others.
Medication: Antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to decrease or eliminate the symptoms and
end the brief psychotic disorder. Conventional antipsychotics include:
Thorazine, Prolixin, Haldol, Navane, Stelazine, Trilafon and Mellaril. Newer
medications, called atypical antipsychotic drugs, include: Risperdal, Clozaril,
Seroquel, Geodon and Zyprexa. Tranquilizers such as Ativan or Valium may be
used if the person has a very high level of anxiety (nervousness) and/or
problems sleeping.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy helps the person identify and cope with the situation or event
that triggered the disorder.
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to communicate and pay attention. Symptoms of psychosis appear in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to early 30s. With treatment involving the use of antipsychotic medications and psychosocial treatment, schizophrenia patients can lead rewarding and meaningful lives.
Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has many symptoms, signs, and causes. Therapy is one treatment option for antisocial personality disorder. It is closely related to other personality disorders (PD), such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. Different types of psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, brief psychotic disorder, shared psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder, paraphrenia, and psychotic disorders due to medical conditions.
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