What Causes Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental state where people lose touch with reality. It's not a disease itself but a symptom of numerous mental health disorders. Common signs include hallucinations, delusions, and jumbled speech. Someone undergoing psychosis may have distorted thoughts and perceptions, hindering their ability to tell what's real from what's not.

The exact causes of psychosis are not fully understood. Genetics, environment, medical ailments, and mental health conditions are all potential contributing factors. This article explores some known causes associated with psychosis.

Common Causes

Some typical causes linked to psychosis include:

• Schizophrenia and other mental disorders
• Physical illnesses
• Substance use
• Trauma

Although some causes of psychosis are linked to unchangeable factors like genetics, people can take steps to reduce their risk of experiencing psychosis. For instance, avoiding drugs and seeking treatment for mental health issues can lower the likelihood of psychotic episodes.

Genetic Factors of Psychosis

Studies suggest that genetics can increase the likelihood of developing psychosis. If you have a family member with a psychotic episode, you may have a higher chance.

The genetic causes of psychosis are intricate, with numerous genes linked to a person's vulnerability to the condition.

It's important to note that while genetics may play a role in psychosis, having a family member with a psychotic episode does not guarantee you will also experience it.

Mental Health Conditions

Psychosis can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, including:

Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar disorder features recurring swings between mania and depression. Psychosis can occur during these episodes, particularly during manic phases.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

• This is a brief period of psychotic behavior, typically triggered by a stressful event. A brief psychotic episode can last from one day to a month.

Major Depressive Disorder With Psychotic Features

• Sometimes referred to as psychotic depression, the condition includes symptoms like sadness, irritability, and loss of interest, along with hallucinations and delusions.

Schizophrenia

• This is a severe mental health condition that causes disordered thoughts and behaviors. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

Postpartum Psychosis

• In extreme cases, postpartum depression can bring about severe psychotic symptoms, often requiring hospitalization. It usually occurs within two weeks of birth. Studies indicate that having bipolar or schizoaffective disorder increases the risk of developing it.

Schizoaffective Disorder

• Schizoaffective disorder features symptoms of psychosis along with mood disturbances. Similar to schizophrenia, it can lead to problems perceiving reality.

Substance Use

Recreational drugs can induce psychosis, and some prescription medications can trigger psychotic episodes when misused or taken in excessive doses.

When psychosis is a result of substance use, it's called substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder.

Substances that may trigger psychosis include:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Marijuana
• Alcohol

People with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of experiencing psychosis. This is due to the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain or self-medication among individuals with underlying mental health conditions.

Trauma

Traumatic events, such as abuse or violence, can also heighten the risk of psychosis. Being in a war zone or losing a loved one can lead to psychotic symptoms. It's worth noting that the relationship between trauma and psychosis is complex. While trauma may bring on psychosis, psychotic symptoms can sometimes be the cause of trauma.

Studies show that 30% of individuals with a psychotic disorder receive a PTSD diagnosis, while 7.8% of the general population has PTSD.

Medical Conditions and Injury

Brain damage from illness or injury and several medical conditions can also trigger psychosis.

Some of these conditions include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Brain tumors
• HIV/AIDS
• Hormone disorders
• Hypoglycemia
• Lewy body disease
• Lupus
• Lyme disease
• Malaria
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Stroke

Psychosis can also occur after traumatic brain injury. Deficiencies in folate and vitamin D have been linked to schizophrenia and the worsening of psychotic symptoms.

Concluding Remarks

While the precise causes of psychosis remain unclear, various factors can contribute to its development. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, seeking professional assistance immediately is crucial. Effective treatments are available to support recovery. Consulting your healthcare provider can help you learn more about your options and identify the specific cause of your symptoms.