Acute and transient psychosis
अचानक शुरू होने वाली मनोविकृति (एक्यूट साइकोसिस)
Acute and transient psychotic disorder begins suddenly — often within two weeks — sometimes after severe stress. Symptoms can change rapidly from day to day.
Many people recover fully within weeks to a few months with treatment. Medical causes must be excluded quickly.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Sudden fearfulness, suspicion or strange beliefs
- Hearing voices or seeing things
- Confused or agitated behaviour, not sleeping
- Rapidly changing emotions
Causes
- Severe stress — bereavement, exams, marriage, migration
- After childbirth (postpartum psychosis, an emergency)
- Sometimes no clear trigger
Risk factors
- Sleep deprivation
- Cannabis, alcohol withdrawal or other substances
- Family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
How it is diagnosed
- Urgent medical evaluation: infection, fever, head injury, thyroid, blood sugar, drugs
- Distinguishing from delirium (fluctuating confusion due to medical illness)
- Follow-up to see whether symptoms resolve or develop into another disorder
Classification: ICD-10 F23 · ICD-11 6A23
Treatment options
- 1Antipsychotic medicines for a period, then gradual tapering under supervision
- 2Safe environment; hospital care when needed
- 3Restoring sleep
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Supportive therapy and stress management after recovery
- Relapse-warning-sign plan for patient and family
Guidance for family
- Stay calm and avoid arguing about the beliefs; acknowledge the person's fear or distress
- Help with regular medicines and follow-up visits
- Keep the home low in conflict and criticism — this reduces relapse
- Seek urgent help for aggression, refusing food, or talk of self-harm
When to see a psychiatrist
- Sudden strange behaviour, fear or confusion — same-day assessment
- Fever, head injury or fits with confusion — emergency department
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Will it happen again?
Some people never have another episode; others may. Follow-up helps catch early signs.
Is it caused by spirits or evil eye?
No. It is a medical condition and responds to treatment. Delaying care can be risky.
How long are medicines needed?
Usually for some months after recovery, then reduced gradually under supervision.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.