Psychosis influences a person’s thinking and perception of things. It affects their information acquisition, so they can’t differentiate between reality and imagination. Psychosis refers to a set of effects that results in a flawed interaction with reality. It often manifests as a sign of severe and chronic mental illnesses. Those who have psychosis may have hallucinations. Additionally, those who have psychosis may have hallucinations, delusions, or a combination of both.
This article is a complete guide to understanding psychosis, its common symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
The Common Signs Of Psychosis
The common signs of psychosis include:
- Unusual ideas or perceptions about yourself or the world, some of which may be frightening.
- Experiencing things that other people cannot, for example, hearing something others cannot or seeing something invisible.
- The thoughts that others may manipulate or that you do not control your body and mind.
- Finding difficulty in finding a way to express yourself.
- Behavior that seems odd or that other people might find strange.
What Are The Common Types Of Psychosis?
Psychosis is a general term and is not accompanied by subtypes that are familiar, as they are in depression or anxiety disorders. According to the DSM-5, these include:According to the DSM-5, these include:
Schizoaffective disorder:
This form of psychosis is like schizophrenia, although the patient experiences periods of mood disorders.
Brief psychotic disorder:
This type of psychosis appears in response to stressful life events and lasts for less than one month but does not reoccur.
Delusional disorder:
The person suffering from delusional disorder fully believes in something that has no rational structure and only exists as an atypical fantasy.
Bipolar psychosis:
Many individuals suffering from bipolar disorder experience psychosis when they are in a joyful or depressed mood.
Severe depression:
The specific form is also referred to as major depressive disorder with psychotic features.
Postpartum psychosis:
This is a type of psychosis that a female is likely to develop after childbirth.
Substance-induced psychosis:
This type of type develops due to the wrong use of alcohol, some recreational drugs, and particular prescription drugs.
How Long Can Psychosis Last?
The duration of psychosis varies depending on the type of psychosis a person is suffering from. Substance or medication-induced psychosis resolves once the substance clears out from the affected person’s system. Nonetheless, psychosis caused by the use of other drugs, such as amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, may persist for several weeks.
In contrast, a brief psychotic disorder will typically last for less than a month. Concerning schizophrenia, the DSM-5 holds that psychotic signs must be present in such an individual for a significant portion of time during one month or longer.
What Is The Diagnosis Of Psychosis?
A diagnosis of psychosis simply focuses on the recognition of the presence of psychosis in an individual based on the diagnostic criteria.
Psychosis is not a mental disorder by itself, but it is a symptom presented in several mental disorders. To perhaps try to know what may be the cause of the development of psychosis, a mental health expert will take a history.
The diagnosis of trauma is made by assessing the individual’s psychiatric, medical, genetic, psychosocial, and spiritual background. A mental health provider will also inquire about the psychotic symptoms, such as their onset, progression, chronotype, and intensity.
Afterward, the mental health expert will conduct a physical examination, including mental and neurological exams.
If the signs suggest an underlying medical condition, your mental health provider may request to run some tests such as:
- Complete blood count
- Metabolic profile
- Thyroid function tests
- Urine toxicology testing
- Measurement of parathyroid hormone, calcium, niacin, vitamin B12, and folate
What Are The Common Causes Of Psychosis?
Psychosis can develop because of various reasons. It can be a result of some disease. Psychosis is a predominant symptom in psychiatric disorders such as delusional disorder or schizotypal disorder.
Recent research indicates that both genetics and environment play a role in leading to increased psychosis cases. Certain environmental factors may increase a person’s risk of psychosis, including:
- Infections of the mother and complications during pregnancy
- Maternal stress and malnutrition
- Head Injury during childhood
- Child Abuse
- Migration
- Drug Misuse
Other psychosis causes include:
- Lack of Sleep
- Changes in brain structures
- Alcohol and Substance abuse
- General Medical Condition
- Certain Prescription Drugs
- Disturbances in Sex Hormones
- Certain psychiatric and neurological conditions
Traumatic events such as war, sexual assault, or death can also trigger a psychotic episode.
What Happens In The Brain During Psychosis?
The processes through which the psychosis develops remain unclear, although numerous recent researches suggest the involvement of the brain chemicals.
Positive symptoms of a psychotic state depend on the increase of dopamine activity and decrease of receptiveness to glutamate activity. Besides, several recent investigations also suggest that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine activities are disturbed.
The positive symptoms of psychosis are associated with excess dopamine activity (a neurotransmitter related to mood), as well as a decrease in the activity of receptors for glutamate.
How Is Psychosis Treated?
It is essential to seek consultation from a mental health professional once a person feels they are experiencing the signs of psychosis. Moreover, psychosis requires urgent medical attention. Treatment can be both short and long-term.
Antipsychotic drugs:
The primary mental health approach for treating psychosis is the prescription of psychiatric medications. Additionally, it has been seen that antipsychotics can minimize signs of psychosis in people with mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia. But, they do not completely cure or treat underlying conditions.
The most commonly used antipsychotics are:
- Haloperidol (Haldol)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
An individual needs a prior prescription from a mental health professional when using the above-mentioned psychiatric drugs because they may trigger adverse effects when taken without a prescription.
Psychological Therapies:
Psychotherapy for psychosis emphasizes teaching skills and techniques to enhance the quality of life of the affected patients. Some therapies are beneficial in decreasing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. The most helpful psychological treatments for psychosis comprise cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based therapies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy:
This type of psychotherapy may be helpful in cases where the person experiences or is at risk of developing psychosis. It also aids in determining if the hallucinations and delusions of the patient are real or not. Also, this kind of psychotherapy focuses on the role of antipsychotic medications as well as compliance with treatment.
Supportive psychotherapy:
This type of therapy aims to teach patients effective ways to live a quality life.
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET):
Computer exercises and group work aid the patients in understanding and differentiating what is better for them.
Family psychoeducation and support:
This type of therapy involves family members. It aids in developing stronger bonds and improves how a person solves problems.
Coordinated specialty care (CSC):
Such type of therapy adapts a team approach in treating psychosis once it is diagnosed. CSC combines medications and psychotherapy with social services and work and education support.
Conclusion!
Psychosis is a mental health illness that affects thought and perception, making it hard for a person to differentiate between reality and fantasy. The effects of psychosis include hallucinations and delusions, being out of touch with reality, and strange behaviors. Some of the subtypes of psychosis include schizoaffective psychosis, bipolar psychosis, and substance-induced psychosis, amongst other types. The management of the disorder is done by using antipsychotics, CBT, and other specialty care, all of which work toward alleviating the symptoms and enhancing the health status of the patient. So, if you are seeking treatment for psychosis, then you are on the right platform. Solid Foundation Psychiatry is a leading platform offering one of the most effective mental health treatments for overcoming signs of psychosis. So, wait no more and contact our skilled mental health professionals today to experience mental well-being.