What is a Psychotic Break?

[triedeverymed]

I know someone who was very depressed in their bipolar cycle & has recenlty been traumatized, then had a complete meltdown which the docs called a Psychotic Break? They are hospitalized for being a danger to themselves & others. I don't have much more info than that. What does this mean? Is it temporary? How long can it last & does anyone know how long you can be held by law? Or is that a state by state issue?
Thanks for your help.
Erin

[sunflwr925]

My husband had to be hospitalized with that. That means that he fell into a depression with hallucinations, and delusions and suicidal urges. He will probably will be held for a week-thats how long it will probably take to get him stable. It is temporary but can come back if he does not take his BP meds or if he has severe stress again.

Thank goodness it is temporary.

[triedeverymed]

Thanks, I got the feeling it was temporary. I hope the treatment works!!
Thank You.
Erin

[billgonz1]

I'm 43 man who is term. i'll .And bipolar had a 6 day break last week ! I'm very scared. it was bad i thought i was on fire! Any info would help!

[LeftCoastChick]

Yikes! I would definitely see your psychiatrist, you probably need a med change. Psychotic breaks can be very dangerous for yourself, you wouldn't want to harm yourself in anyway because you're not feeling well. They usually are temporary, but I don't think you would want to deal with the aftermath of it, it's better to be pro-active so it won't happen, or not happen as harshly. Hang in there!

[billgonz1]

This Was My first break. Scared to even cycle now. cought myself pacing so i tried to clean house insted . Ended up crying in bed . having problems remenbering how happy i use to be! I am down to 123 pounds i'm 5' 6 .The begain of manic i throw up for day's .I think its killing me I also have HIV . But It is in control .But what a place to stress on !

[LeftCoastChick]

What you're describing sounds like hypo/mania not a psychotic break, which is when you lose touch with reality and having delusions and severe paranoid behaviour. . I've had hypomanic episodes where I've cleaned obsessively, can't sit still and talked really fast among other things. I would then "crash" and go into a depression and cry a lot. Those are the mood swings, sometimes you can have both at the same time which is called mixed states.

I'm not sure how difficult it is to get on meds for your BP with HIV going on as well, but it would be a good idea. I know that when my osteoarthritis really acts up, my depression kicks in like it's doing now, because I'm in so much pain.  For your own health, please check with your doctor or if you have a psychiatrist, make an appointment.

[billgonz1]

Who would had thought this is really happening to me!

[billgonz1]

I had my 1st pyscotic break .lasting 6 days . i'm 43 just had spine surgery neck fused ,lowest disc removed. In cronic pain HIV pos. ,Bipolar With a long history therapy. Have had a pys. break . I have been waiting for soc. security appeal  21 months.Recently I tested pos. for coke and pot. A one time thing. Think I should be worried. I have 6 days till hearing .Driving myself nuts worried . I really need it can't work        Billgonz1

[billgonz1]

P.S. Just recieved certifid letter i'm S.M.I.     BillGonz1

[billgonz1]

I'm Bipolar with hep c . Need interferon which causes depession and suicidal thoughts. I would be on it for 6 months to a year . I'm very scared . I have just had a psycotic break a month ago first one ! It lasted 10 days . What can I do ?

[edge_walker]

I just had my first psychotic break.  At least that's what the diagnosis was.  I was afraid of "I don't know what", when a train was coming, I ran for it.  There was a fence in between or I'd be a gonner.  I wandered around town at around 11 pm hoping someone would kill me.  I couldn't get my thoughts straight no matter what happened.  I was wishing i was a serial killer so I could kill myself over and over.  It started 5 days ago because of Prednisone.  I was definately a danger to myself and almost got in a physical fight with a person I love a lot.  Words I hardly even ever think were coming out of my mouth.  I did not recognise myself.  Terrifying!  Also so emotionally PAINFUL.  I have been off Prednisone for 3 days and still have like a residue of the psychotic break.  Right now I feel like I am grieving something my heart lost, but I don't know what it is.  Today I went to the store (shopping therapy )  and I am a shopaholic...I couldn't organize my thoughts enough to know what to buy.  You know the saying "I'm dressed and in my right mind?"  Well, at least I am dressed.

[ILADVOCATE]

If you encountered a side effect that severe from Prednisone speak to your doctor about it right away so they can find another medication to help you instead and also monitor the after effects of it. Also they should note that down so you are not prescribed that medication again. If you have bipolar perhaps it worsened moodswings as that class of medications can do that. What was it there to treat to begin with?