Psychosis is a term that describes a set of symptoms that affect a person’s ability to perceive reality. It can be triggered by mental disorders, physical illnesses, substance abuse, or stress. A person with psychosis may experience hallucinations, delusions, or other changes in their thoughts and behavior. A list of factors that can lead to psychosis can be found in this blog post, which examines the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychosis.
Psychosis is not a condition itself, but a symptom of many different conditions that affect the brain and the body. Some of the most common causes of psychosis are:
Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders: These are mental disorders that involve persistent or recurrent psychosis, along with other symptoms such as disorganized speech, negative emotions, and cognitive impairment. Examples of these disorders are schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder.
Mood disorders: These are mental disorders that affect a person’s mood, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Some people with mood disorders may experience psychotic symptoms, especially during severe episodes of mania or depression.
Substance-induced psychotic disorder: This is a type of psychosis that occurs as a result of using or withdrawing from certain drugs or medications, such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, or steroids.
Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition: This is a type of psychosis that occurs as a result of a physical illness or injury that affects the brain, such as a stroke, a brain tumor, an infection, a metabolic disorder, a hormonal imbalance, or a vitamin deficiency.
Postpartum psychosis: This is a rare but serious condition that affects some women after childbirth. It involves sudden and severe psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and agitation.
A person suffering from psychosis experiences hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur without an external stimulus, such as hearing voices, seeing things, feeling things, smelling things, or tasting things that are not present. Despite the evidence to the contrary, a person holds strongly to false beliefs, including the belief that someone is out to get them, that they possess special powers, or that they are someone else.
Other symptoms of psychosis may include:
Disorganized or confused thinking and speech
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Lack of insight or awareness of the problem
Changes in emotions, such as apathy, anxiety, or irritability
Changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal, aggression, or self-neglect
Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
Psychosis is diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a counselor, who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the person’s symptoms, history, and functioning. The assessment may include:
A clinical interview, where the person is asked about their personal and family background, their current situation, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and their use of substances or medications
A mental status examination, where the person’s appearance, speech, mood, thoughts, perceptions, memory, and orientation are observed and evaluated
A physical examination, where the person’s vital signs, blood tests, urine tests, and other tests are checked to rule out any medical causes of psychosis
A psychological testing, where the person’s cognitive abilities, personality traits, and mental health issues are measured using standardized tests and questionnaires
A collateral information, where the person’s family members, friends, or other sources are contacted to provide additional information about the person’s symptoms and functioning
The mental health professional will then diagnose the underlying condition causing the psychosis, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or substance-induced psychosis, based on the assessment. Depending on the diagnosis, the best treatment will be suggested.
Medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support can be used to treat psychosis. Treatment goals include reducing the severity and frequency of psychotic symptoms, improving functioning and quality of life, and preventing relapses or complications.
Medications used to treat psychosis are usually antipsychotics. Antipsychotics work by affecting brain chemicals involved in psychosis, including dopamine and serotonin. People with mood disorders can also use antipsychotic drugs to stabilize their moods and prevent episodes of manic or depressive behavior. Antipsychotic drugs can help reduce or eliminate hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. There may be some side effects, such as weight gain, sedation, movement disorders, or metabolic problems, if antipsychotic drugs are taken orally, but they can also be given as injections or patches.
In psychotherapy, the individual is encouraged to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained therapist. Through psychotherapy, a person can learn more about the causes and effects of their psychosis, cope with their symptoms, challenge their distorted beliefs, develop their goals and plans, and improve their self-esteem and relationships. Individuals, groups, and family members can all benefit from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy for psychosis includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and supportive therapy.
A psychosocial support service consists of a range of services and resources that can help a person with psychosis live independently and productively. In addition to case management and vocational rehabilitation, psychosocial support includes educational assistance, housing assistance, social skills training, peer support, and crisis intervention. Providing psychosocial support can enable a person with psychosis to access the necessary care and support, enhance their social and occupational functioning, and prevent isolation and stigma.
Psychosis can be prevented or delayed by identifying and treating the risk factors and early signs of psychosis. Some of the strategies to prevent psychosis are:
Seeking professional help as soon as possible if the person or someone close to them notices any changes in their thoughts, perceptions, or behavior that are unusual or distressing
Following the prescribed treatment plan and taking the medication as directed by the doctor
Avoiding or limiting the use of alcohol, drugs, or medications that can trigger or worsen psychosis
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and managing stress
Having a strong support network, such as family, friends, peers, or professionals, who can provide emotional, practical, and informational support
Educating oneself and others about psychosis, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery, and challenging the myths and stereotypes that surround it
The symptom of psychosis is that a person is unable to perceive reality. Medications, therapy, and psychosocial support can be used to treat psychosis, which can be caused by mental disorders, physical illnesses, substance abuse, or stress. Psychosis can be prevented or delayed by identifying and treating the risk factors and early signs of psychosis. Psychosis patients can lead fulfilling lives with the right care and support.
