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Schizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

Brief psychotic disorder

Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting between one day and one month, with complete return to previous functioning. Sometimes it's triggered by intense stress or postpartum.

Common signs

Sudden onset of confusion, delusions or hallucinationsVery disorganised behaviourOften follows a very stressful event

Tips

For you

  1. Go to A&E or call 112 if there is any risk
  2. After recovering, have follow-up with mental health services
  3. Work on managing stress to prevent relapse

For family and friends

  1. Stay with the person and speak calmly
  2. Go to A&E: this situation needs medical assessment

When to ask for help

  1. If there is a risk of self-harm: 112
  2. If it happens after giving birth: go to A&E immediately

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Suddenly says things that make no sense or are very strange
2. Hears or sees things others don't perceive
3. Is very confused or disoriented
4. Is behaving very differently from usual
5. Has recently been through a very stressful event
6. Doesn't recognise that anything is wrong
7. Is very agitated or frightened
8. The changes appeared within hours or a few days

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveConfederación SALUD MENTAL ESPAÑA (Spanish mental health confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisSchizophreniform disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisDelusional disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisSchizoaffective disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.