psychology

Brief Psychotic Disorder

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Brief psychotic disorder (also known as brief reactive psychosis) is a short-term break from reality. The disorder usually strikes people between 20 and 30 years of age. With treatment, symptoms usually disappear within a month. However, a short hospitalization may be necessary. Causes A brief psychotic episode is usually triggered by a traumatic event such as a death, assault, or rape. Previous emotional problems increase the possibility of an episode. Some women develop the problem after giving birth. The disorder is NOT brought on by physical illness, and is not a reaction to drugs. Signs/Symptoms This illness usually begins abruptly and disappears within a month. Friends and family may recognize a problem before the victim does. Warning signs include: Changes in eating or sleeping habits, energy level, or weight Confusion Inability to make decisions Hallucinations Delusions Ideas that do not connect or make sense Repetitive actions Hours of immobility Strange statements and behavior Victims' reactions may not match the situation, For example, they may laugh at bad news. Or they may fail to show any emotion at all. Often, they stop socializing, going to work or school, and caring for personal hygiene. Care:Antipsychotic medications will usually bring an end to the episode. However, a short hospital stay may be necessary. Shock treatments (electroconvulsive therapy) may be in order if medications fail to bring the victim back to reality. Risks: Although the illness is usually brief, it can be dangerous. Suicide is a threat, and the victim may harm others. Early treatment can spare the patient and family much needless hardship. IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL... What to Expect While You're There Treatment for an acute attack can require full-time hospitalization in a locked inpatient unit. As symptoms subside, you may be transferred to a partial care program in which you are able to return home after each day's therapy. Inpatients may wear their own clothes, but are customarily searched for sharp objects such as scissors or nail files, which are held in a staff office. Patients who present a danger outside the hospital can be involuntarily hospitalized for up to 3 days by the police or a doctor. While hospitalized, you may encounter the following procedures. Group Therapy: These meetings are somewhat like a support group session, allowing patients to share coping strategies. The meetings are run by medical staff. Individual Therapy: This is a time for you to meet alone with your therapist to discuss ways of dealing with the illness. Family Meetings: In these sessions, medical staff will prepare you and your family for your return home. Time Out: If you become unable to control yourself, the staff may separate you from the other patients, either in your own room or---if you seem violent---in a "safety room." Restraints: Patients who pose a danger to themselves or others may be physically restrained with leather bands. Electroconvulsive (e-LEK-tro-kun-VUL-siv) Therapy: For patients who become severely withdrawn or depressed, this form of treatment can help speed recovery. Also known as ECT or shock therapy, it applies a mild electric current to the brain. Although the treatment temporarily disrupts the memory, full recall typically returns within 2 weeks. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Be sure to take your prescribed medication regularly. Since antipsychotic medications can make you drowsy, be cautious when using machinery or driving until you know how the drug affects you. Check with your doctor before taking any other drugs, either prescription or over-the-counter. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. They can interact with your medication, causing extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects. Since it's hard to avoid stress, learn to control it with such techniques as deep breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback. Try not to bottle-up your feelings; talk to your doctors, family, or friends and let them help you. You may also want to join a support group. Encourage those close to you to talk to your doctor. He can give them tips on how to respond to the situation. Call Your Doctor If... : You're unable to sleep well or find that you are sleeping more than usual. You undergo a change in appetite. Your medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy, or sick to your stomach. You develop any twitches or involuntary movements. Seek Care Immediately If... : You begin to have thoughts of suicide or homicide. <<<< BACK