Acute (or Brief) Psychotic Disorder

Acute Psychotic disorder is a transient psychotic illness that may last from one day to one month. Although, this short-term disorder is rare but when it occurs, its resolution must be done within 3 months. The illness is known as acute and transient psychotic disorder (ATPD).

Men and women from all cultures may equally develop the condition, although the tendency is more common in men than in women. Most of those affected with the illness are usually young adults. Also, there is evidence that the condition may run in families. The prime reason of the occurrence of the illness is inadequate coping mechanism in an individual.

In brief psychotic disorder, an acute stressor may act as a trigger. Psychosocial factors such as stress, family conflict, employment status, accident, loss of someone close may trigger the initial episode in vulnerable people. Other factors such as substance abuse, post-partum period may also have the impact.

Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders, disorganized speech and abnormal behaviour. These may be intense and the level of impairment may be severe. Volatile emotions, screaming and impaired memory are characteristic symptoms. Other accompanying symptoms may include rapid mood swings or impaired attention.

Treatment depends upon the causes and aims at the effective control of the symptoms in the acute phase. It comprises of anti-psychotics, psychotherapy, counseling (group or individual therapy) or even hospitalization for electro convulsive therapy (ECT) and shock therapy (for severely withdrawn and depressed patients).

There may be severe irreversible side effects of the prescribed anti psychotic medications including altered mental status, muscular hypertonicity, and involuntary movements of mouth, jaw or face.

The mortality is high as compared to the general population, which is due to high risk of suicide. Also, there is risk of harm to self or others. The prognosis returns to normal after complete recovery.