Psychosis is a serious mental illness that can cause people to see or hear things that aren’t there, believe things that aren’t true, and feel emotions that aren’t real. It can be very frightening for the person experiencing it and for their loved ones.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 symptoms of psychosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek professional help immediately.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by changes in thinking, perception, and emotion that make it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
People with psychosis may experience hallucinations or delusions. These can be terrifying experiences that can cause great distress. Other symptoms of psychosis include disorganized speech and behavior, as well as impaired memory and concentration.
10 Symptoms Of Psychosis
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help right away. Early psychosis intervention can make a big difference in the course of treatment.
It’s difficult to pinpoint when the first episode of psychosis begins, however, the following indications and symptoms strongly suggest psychotic episodes:
- Things that others don’t see, taste, hear or believe.
- Unusual, persistent thoughts or views that refuse to go away, regardless of what others think.
- Emotions that are strong and inappropriate, or no emotions at all.
- Withdrawing from family or friends is a common symptom of depression.
- Self-care has suddenly deteriorated.
- Having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
- Disorganized speech.
- Irritability and aggression.
- Impaired memory and concentration.
- Sleep problems.
Such warning symptoms can indicate a person’s health is worsening, and a physical and neurological examination can assist to identify the issue.
A psychological evaluation by a mental health professional can identify if a mental health disorder is present and discuss the next steps. If the psychosis is a manifestation of something else.
Postnatal psychosis, also known as puerperal psychosis, is a severe form of postnatal depression that affects certain women after they give a child. One out of every 1,000 women who give birth is estimated to suffer from postnatal psychosis.
If you or someone you know has suffered postnatal psychosis, seek medical help immediately.
Psychosis
Psychosis manifests itself in a variety of ways, although it usually involves one of two basic experiences:
Hallucinations are when you see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there, such as:
- Seeing glimpses of objects or persons that aren’t present, as well as distortions
- Strange sensations or feelings that you can’t describe
- Voices can be heard (auditory hallucinations delusions confused )
Paranoid delusions are powerful beliefs that are contrary to one’s culture, are unlikely to be true, and may appear unreasonable to others, such as the following:
- Thinking that outside forces are in control of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions
- The belief that insignificant remarks, events, or objects have personal significance or value
- You may believe you have exceptional abilities, are on a specific mission, or are even God
Causes Of Psychotic Disorder
Genetic Factors
A person’s genes may make them more likely to develop psychosis.
Family history
If someone in a person’s family has had psychosis, they may be more likely to develop it themselves.
Drug Use
Some drugs, such as cannabis and amphetamines, can cause psychotic symptoms and trigger psychosis.
Stress
Psychosis is more common during times of stress, such as after the death of a loved one or during periods of unemployment.
Psychiatric Conditions
Conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can increase the risk of developing psychosis.
Trauma
A psychotic episode can be triggered by a catastrophic event such as a death, war, or sexual assault.
The type of trauma, as well as a person’s age, influence whether a traumatic incident leads to psychosis.
Physical Health Conditions
Some physical health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and brain tumors, can cause psychosis.
Medications
Some medications, such as certain types of antibiotics and steroids, can cause psychotic symptoms.
Alcohol Abuse
Heavy alcohol use can lead to psychosis.
Sleep deprivation
Not getting enough sleep can trigger psychotic symptoms.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is the identification of an ailment, whereas symptoms are the manifestations of that condition. Medical and family history, as well as a physical examination, are used by health care providers to make a diagnosis.
A mental disease could be the cause if other factors such as an infection, brain tumor, or epilepsy are ruled out.
If the problem is caused by a mental health problem, the best chance of healing is to get help as soon as possible.
According to research, the sooner someone with psychosis receives treatment, the better their long-term quality of life will be.
Treatment
Psychosis In Its Early Stages, Often Known As First-Episode Psychosis
The best outcomes are achieved when psychosis is treated early, especially during the first episode.
A therapeutic technique known as Coordinated Specialty Care has shown great success in research (CSC). CSC employs a group of health professionals and specialists who collaborate with a client to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their life goals, with as much family involvement as feasible.
The following are the main components of CSC:
- Management of the case
- Education and family support
- Psychotherapy
- Medication administration
- Supported employment and education
- Peer assistance
Family members looking for CSC programs in the United States should use the SAMHSA’s Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) Treatment Locator. The company’s website has sections in Spanish.
An early intervention team is a team of healthcare professionals set up specifically to work with people who have experienced their first episode of psychosis.