Brief Psychotic Disorder

Psychotherapy and/or medication

Treatment Summary: A patient with brief psychotic disorder may need brief hospitalization for both evaluation and protection. Evaluation requires close monitoring of symptoms and assessment of the patient's level of danger to self and others. The two major classes of drugs to be considered in the treatment of brief disorder are the antipsychotic drugs and the benzodiazepines. An individualized treatment strategy based on increasing problem-solving skills while strengthening the ego structure through psychotherapy appears to be the most efficacious. Family involvement in the treatment process may be crucial to a successful outcome. Clinicians should avoid long-term use of any medication in the treatment of the disorder. If maintenance medication is necessary, a clinician may have to reconsider the diagnosis.

• Reference: Kaplan, H. I., Sadock, B. J., & Sadock, V. A. (2007). Synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (pp. 514-518). Retrieved from http://books.google.com /books?id=uohbTtxCeYC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
• Submitter: N/A