How Long Does Psychosis Typically Last?

Psychosis involves a detachment from reality, where individuals struggle to distinguish what’s real from what’s not. It can manifest in various ways, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The length of a psychotic episode can differ based on the individual’s experience and the cause behind it. For some, psychosis may resolve naturally, while others may require treatment, especially when linked to mental health disorders or substance use.

Key Takeaways:

• Psychosis involves the perception of things that aren’t real, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
• The three phases of psychosis are prodrome, acute, and recovery.
• Duration of psychosis can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the cause.
• Drug use, including methamphetamine, alcohol, and marijuana, can trigger psychosis, and its length varies by substance.
• For some, psychosis may resolve on its own, but most cases require professional intervention.
• Psychosis related to mental health disorders often persists without treatment and can worsen over time.
• Early treatment for psychosis can help shorten its duration and improve outcomes.
• A substance use disorder may co-occur with psychosis, often exacerbating symptoms.

Phases of Psychosis

Psychosis typically unfolds in three stages:

1. Prodrome Phase: In the early stage, individuals may begin to experience subtle changes in behavior and perception. These could include difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, sleep disturbances, and withdrawal from social interactions. People may not recognize these early signs, but others around them may notice changes in behavior.
2. Acute Phase: During this phase, psychotic symptoms become more pronounced. Individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, or confused thoughts and behaviors. These symptoms can significantly impair daily life, often requiring immediate treatment. The length of the acute phase depends on the underlying cause, such as mental health disorders or substance abuse.
3. Recovery Phase: As treatment takes effect or the trigger for the psychosis resolves, the person will begin to show improvement. Recovery can take time, depending on the severity and treatment of the underlying cause, but most people gradually return to a normal routine.

Psychosis Duration Based on Cause

• Mental Health Disorders: The duration of psychosis in mental health conditions varies. For example, brief psychotic disorder lasts less than a month, and episodes usually occur only once. On the other hand, schizophrenia involves ongoing symptoms or precursors for six months or more. Similarly, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience psychosis during manic episodes that can last from weeks to months.
• Drug-Induced Psychosis: Substance use can also cause psychosis, which may last for varying lengths of time depending on the substance and frequency of use. For example:
  • Methamphetamine: Psychosis can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and in cases of long-term use, it can persist for months, even after the drug is out of the system.
  • Opiates: Withdrawal from opiates can trigger psychosis, but it typically resolves once the drug is fully out of the body.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol-induced psychosis is common with chronic alcohol use and often lasts as long as alcohol is in the system or during withdrawal. Rarely, it may persist after alcohol use has ceased.
  • Marijuana: While less common, marijuana can trigger psychosis in some individuals, particularly those predisposed to mental health conditions like schizophrenia.

Does Psychosis Resolve on Its Own?

Psychosis may resolve on its own in cases like brief psychotic disorder or drug-induced psychosis. However, for many people, especially those with underlying mental health conditions, psychosis typically doesn’t go away without treatment. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes, as treatment can reduce the duration of symptoms and prevent further episodes.

When to Seek Help

Recognizing psychosis early can improve the effectiveness of treatment. If someone experiences psychosis, particularly for the first time, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening. In cases where psychosis is related to substance use, stopping the use of the substance often alleviates symptoms, though a treatment program for the substance use disorder may still be necessary.

Treatment for Psychosis

If psychosis is linked to a mental health disorder, medical professionals will typically recommend medications and therapy tailored to the specific diagnosis. For substance-induced psychosis, addressing the substance use disorder is key to reducing psychotic symptoms and preventing recurrence.

At The Recovery Village Indianapolis, we provide comprehensive treatment options for individuals experiencing psychosis, whether related to mental health disorders or substance use. Our team of experts can offer the support and care needed for lasting recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with psychosis, reach out to us today for guidance on treatment and recovery options.