It is short, lasting at least one day but not longer than a month. It includes symptoms of others psychotic disorders, and includes at least one of certain psychotic symptoms. These include delusions, hallucinations, highly disorganized or catatonic behavior, or confused speech. Other symptoms could include changes in sleep patterns, confusion, trouble making decisions, acting confused, hours of immobility, or other unusual speech or actions. 

Although the disorder is caused by an extremely stressful event, some people may be more prone to suffer from a brief psychotic episode than others are. People with a history of emotional instability may be more likely to have such an episode. In general, however, there are no warning signs prior to a psychotic episode aside from the stressful event or combination of stressors.

Because the episode starts quickly, immediate treatment is often necessary. The affected individual may be suicidal or may cause harm to another. Generally speaking, the faster the disorder appears, the easier it is to treat.

Most people fully recover from brief psychotic disorder. Depending on the severity of the delusions, a brief hospital stay may be required. Other forms of treatment include psychotherapy, anti-psychotic medications, or occasionally electroconvulsive, or "shock" therapy for those who are severely depressed. This form of therapy applies a mild electric current to the brain. Memory loss may result, but usually recovers in about two weeks. Other forms of treatment may include restraints or separation from others if a patient is behaving dangerously.