How Long Does Psychosis Last? Navigating the 3 Stages From Onset to Recovery

Duration of Different Types of Psychosis

Let’s talk about how long different types of psychosis typically last. Remember, each person’s experience is unique, but these timeframes can give you a general idea of what to expect.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Sometimes psychosis appears suddenly after a major stress or trauma, like losing a loved one or experiencing a natural disaster. This is called brief psychotic disorder,⁴ and as the name suggests, it’s not permanent. Symptoms typically last between a day and a month, then go away completely. Most people who experience this type of psychosis make a full recovery without any long-term problems.

Drug-Induced Psychosis

Using certain drugs like marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine, or cocaine can trigger psychosis in some people. The good news is that substance-induced psychosis usually clears up within a few days to a few weeks after the person stops using the substance (which may require professional addiction treatment). But for some folks—especially those who used drugs heavily or for a long time—symptoms might linger for months. In some cases, drug use can unmask an underlying mental health condition that requires ongoing treatment.

To learn more about how substance use can affect psychosis, see our article on the link between addiction and schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia-Related Psychosis

When psychosis is part of schizophrenia,⁵ it follows a different pattern. People with schizophrenia often have episodes of psychosis that last between a few weeks and several months. Between these episodes, symptoms might decrease but rarely disappear completely without treatment. With proper medication and therapy, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms well and reduce the frequency and intensity of psychotic episodes.

To learn more about comprehensive treatment options for schizophrenia and related psychosis, see our complete guide to schizophrenia rehab and recovery.

Mood Disorder Psychosis

Severe depression or bipolar disorder can sometimes include psychotic features.⁶ In bipolar disorder, psychosis usually appears during manic or depressive episodes and improves when the episode resolves. In a professional treatment program, the recovery process might take weeks to months. For depression with psychosis, symptoms often improve as the depression lifts, usually within a few months of starting treatment.

Postpartum Psychosis

Some new parents experience psychosis shortly after giving birth.⁷ This is a serious condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery. With quick treatment, postpartum psychosis typically improves within a few weeks to a few months. Most people recover completely, though they may have a higher risk of experiencing it again with future pregnancies.

Factors That Affect How Long Psychosis Lasts

Several factors can influence how long psychosis lasts and how well someone recovers. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations about the recovery journey.

Early Intervention

One of the most important factors is how quickly someone gets help. The sooner someone starts treatment after their first episode, the better the outcomes tend to be. While research shows that it’s “common for a person to have psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment,” says the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Reducing this duration of untreated psychosis⁸ is critical because early treatment often means better recovery.”

Treatment Approach and Adherence

The type of treatment someone receives—and how well they stick with it—makes a huge difference. Most effective treatment plans include a combination of medication, therapy, and social support. Missing medication doses or stopping treatment too early can lead to longer episodes or relapses. It’s like treating any other health condition: Consistent, high-quality care leads to better results.

Treatment adherence is an ongoing issue in patients with psychosis—one study shows that over 60% of psychotic patients “had adherence difficulties⁹ at some point” in their program. That’s why behavioral health experts use interventions like family involvement, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing to try to improve treatment outcomes. 

Learn how therapists use specialized techniques to help you stay committed to your recovery journey in our guide to motivational interviewing.

What’s something people often misunderstand about psychosis recovery that you wish more people knew?

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by someone’s inability to stay connected to reality, which may include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and poor insight/judgment. The most challenging part about psychosis is that people experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing their thoughts and their disordered thinking, hallucinations, and delusions. Recovery from psychosis is not linear or quick, and one of the most misunderstood ‘facts’ about recovery from psychosis is that people with psychosis always return to the exact state they were in before. They need time, they need adjustment; they can find ways to live and enjoy life while managing their symptoms.

Sorhaya Zamor, RN

Support System

Having supportive family, friends, and therapists can significantly shorten recovery time. People with strong support networks often recover faster¹⁰ because they have help navigating treatment, managing stress, and handling day-to-day responsibilities while they heal. If you’re supporting someone with psychosis, your patience and understanding matter more than you may realize.

Underlying Cause

The cause of psychosis affects its duration too. Psychosis triggered by stimuli like drug use or extreme stress often resolves more quickly than psychosis related to conditions like schizophrenia. Identifying and addressing the root cause is an important part of effective treatment.

Individual Factors

Every person is unique, and factors like previous psychotic episodes, stress levels, overall health, and even genetics can influence recovery time. As with physical illnesses, some people naturally recover more quickly than others. 

Stress and Environment

High-stress environments can prolong recovery from psychosis or trigger relapses. Creating a calm environment that supports psychosis recovery¹¹ can help shorten episodes and prevent them from recurring. Sometimes, simple changes at home, at work, or in social circles can make a big difference in someone’s recovery.

While these factors influence recovery time, they don’t determine it completely. Even when circumstances aren’t ideal, many people still recover well with the right treatment and support.

Treatment and Recovery

Getting the right treatment can make a huge difference in how long psychosis lasts and how well someone recovers. Let’s look at the most common treatments and what recovery looks like.

Psychiatry (Medication)

Antipsychotic medications are usually the first line of treatment for psychosis.¹² These medicines help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking, usually within a few days to a few weeks. Some people notice improvement very quickly; others might need to try different medications to find the right fit.

Most people take these medications for at least 6-12 months after an episode. Your doctor might recommend longer treatment depending on the underlying cause and whether you’ve had multiple episodes. Never stop taking medication suddenly—always work with your healthcare provider to make changes safely.

To learn more about how to work with your doctor to make sure your medication works for you, see our guide to medication management.

Therapy Options

Medication works best when combined with therapy. The NIMH explains that effective psychosis treatment is a team effort: ¹²

Treatment also often includes other elements. There is substantial research support for coordinated specialty care, which is a multi-element, recovery-oriented team approach to treating psychosis that promotes easy access to care and shared decision-making among specialists, the person experiencing psychosis, and family members. 

When you access professional care, your treatment team can create a comprehensive treatment plan that combines medication, therapy, and other support. This might include psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, or social skills training, based on what best meets your needs. 

Day-to-Day Support

Recovery isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s also about redesigning your daily life. This might include help with housing, employment, education, or building healthy routines. Some people work with case managers¹³ who can connect them with community resources and provide practical support during recovery.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from psychosis is usually gradual. Most people see significant improvement within a few months of starting treatment, though complete recovery can take longer. Schizophrenia survivor Sarah Ryan describes emotional recovery from psychosis¹⁴ as: 

• Accepting a new normal: Accepting that while you may never be exactly the same person you were before psychosis, you can find pride in adapting to the new you 
• Trusting yourself: Having patience and allowing positive experiences to accumulate over time, which gradually strengthens your confidence 
• Believing in yourself: Choosing to value yourself despite a stigmatized diagnosis and maintaining hope that you can have a meaningful future
• Wanting to be yourself: Letting go of comparing yourself to “normal” people and recognizing that your life has value and purpose despite the challenges you’ve faced

Some people recover completely from psychosis. Others learn to manage occasional negative symptoms while leading full, meaningful lives. Many people worry about having another episode, which is a common concern. Working with your care team to identify early warning signs and create a relapse prevention plan can help you manage this fear as you keep taking steps forward.

How can family members or loved ones best support someone recovering from psychosis, especially in the early stages?

Family members can best support someone recovering from psychosis by approaching them with empathy, patience, a calming demeanor, as much normalcy as possible, and a willingness to learn. Psychoeducation is key—understanding what psychosis is and what it isn’t helps reduce fear and stigma for both you and your loved one. Encourage ongoing treatment, stay aware of early warning signs, and have a plan in place in case symptoms reemerge. Most importantly, remind them they’re not alone—you’re in this together.

Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP (Neuroscience), CCFP, CIMPH | Astute Counseling & Wellness Services

Finding Your Way Forward: Embracing Life After Psychosis

Recovery from mental health disorders is a challenging but rewarding process that involves ups and downs. But as Ryan says of her experience with psychosis recovery,¹⁴

For the first time, I can say with confidence that it is good and right to be me. My life is not a mistake, and good things have come out of my life that outweigh the bad. I can never truly make sense of what happened to me, but I have finally let go, because I have too many other great things to hold onto that are pulling me forward.

You, too, can come to see the great things that are pulling you forward—and professional care can help. If you’re experiencing symptoms of psychosis, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to a mental health professional today and give yourself the best chance of recovery. 

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get out of psychosis?

A: Most people start to improve within a few weeks of beginning treatment. Recovery typically takes a few months to a year or more, though this varies widely depending on the cause, treatment approach, and other individual factors.

Q: Does the brain go back to normal after psychosis?

A: Research shows that the brain actively tries to heal itself after psychosis,¹⁵ even before treatment begins. While some brain areas show tissue loss, others actually increase in size. One study shows these tissue increases are linked to better outcomes, including milder symptoms and improved thinking skills. This suggests that psychosis isn’t simply a degenerative condition, as previously thought, but one where natural recovery processes are already happening when people first seek help. Proper treatment can support these healing processes, which improve long-term recovery.

Q: Can psychosis go away on its own?

A: Some brief forms of psychosis might resolve without treatment, but this is risky. Without proper care, psychosis often gets worse and can lead to dangerous situations or long-term problems. Professional help significantly improves outcomes and reduces suffering.

Q: What triggers a psychotic episode?

A: Common triggers for psychosis include extreme stress, sleep deprivation, drug use (especially cannabis, amphetamines, and hallucinogens), traumatic events, and hormonal changes like those after childbirth. For people with conditions like schizophrenia, even everyday stresses can sometimes trigger episodes.

Can psychosis be temporary?

A: Yes, psychosis can definitely be temporary. Many people who experience psychosis have just one episode in their lifetime, especially if it was triggered by stress, substance abuse, or a medical condition that gets treated. Even people with ongoing conditions like schizophrenia can experience long periods without psychotic symptoms when they receive consistent care.