A psychotic episode is a mental disorder characterized by a sudden onset and rapid course. Without any warning symptoms, psychotic symptoms such as distorted perception of reality, hallucinations and delusions develop within a few days. What are the causes and other symptoms of a psychotic episode? How is his treatment going?
Psychotic episode , specifically acute multiforme psychotic episode, belongs to the group of acute, short-term and transient psychotic disorders. The psychotic episode is characterized by a quick onset and course - it begins suddenly and violently (within 2 weeks or less) and lasts less than 1 month. As a result, a psychotic episode can be distinguished from a schizophrenic or affective episode.
A psychotic episode may appear at any time in life, but is most often experienced between the ages of 30 and 50. It is usually diagnosed in women.
Psychotic episode - causes
A psychotic episode is most often reactive, i.e. a reaction to an unpleasant event or severe stress. The risk of a psychotic episode is increased by the personality traits of the borderline type, especially difficulties in assessing reality and disturbed relationships with people, as well as variability of the mental state, which in a stressful situation may lead to a psychotic state of mind. Its occurrence can also be influenced by alcohol and psychoactive substances (drugs, legal highs).
Psychotic episode - symptoms
A psychotic episode is characterized by a sudden and violent onset of psychotic symptoms and mood disorders:
- hallucinations - auditory hallucinations (comments, discussions, or orders)
- delusions - most often persecutory, priestly;
Hallucinations and delusions are pronounced and change rapidly (over a period of days or even hours).
- thinking disorder
- psychomotor drive disorders
- euphoria or anxiety
- depressive mood
- shaky mood
These disorders disappear in a short time and usually do not recur (in some people the second "relapse" of the disease usually does not occur).
Psychotic episode - treatment
The primary form of treatment istaking antipsychotic drugs in appropriate doses determined by the doctor. They help to prevent the relapse of the disease. The response to treatment is usually very good.
In addition, alcohol, drugs and other stimulants should be avoided. It is also necessary to lead a he althy lifestyle, avoid excessive exhaustion, overwork and highly stressful situations, because these factors increase the risk of a second or subsequent "bout" of the disease.
Recovery occurs within months, and sometimes even weeks or days.