Psychosis: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, and Treatment

Definition

Psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Individuals experiencing psychosis often have delusions (false beliefs not based on reality) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). Psychosis can be caused by several mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder.

Symptoms

• Delusions: False beliefs that are not based on reality. Common delusions include believing that one is being watched or followed, that they have special powers, or that they are being controlled by an external force.
• Hallucinations: Perceiving things that are not there. Hallucinations can be visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory. Visual hallucinations are the most common type, and they often involve seeing strange creatures, faces, or objects.
• Disorganized speech: Speaking in a way that is difficult to understand. Disorganized speech may involve rambling, jumping from topic to topic, or using made-up words or phrases.
• Disorganized behavior: Acting in a way that is strange or unpredictable. Disorganized behavior may involve pacing, rocking back and forth, or making strange gestures.
• Negative symptoms: A lack of motivation, interest, or pleasure in activities. Negative symptoms can also include social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and problems with memory.

Causes

The exact causes of psychosis are unknown, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing psychosis include:

• Family history of psychosis
• Prenatal exposure to toxins
• Early childhood trauma
• Cannabis use
• Mental illness, such as:
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Depression
  • Postpartum psychosis
• Medical conditions, such as:
  • Brain tumors
  • Stroke
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Huntington's disease
  • HIV/AIDS

Treatment

While there is no cure for psychosis, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve overall functioning. Common treatment options include:

• Antipsychotic medications: These medications can help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis.
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help individuals with psychosis understand their illness, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their social and interpersonal skills.
• Social skills training: This type of therapy helps individuals with psychosis learn how to interact with others in a positive and constructive manner.
• Supported employment: Supported employment programs provide individuals with psychosis with job training, job placement assistance, and ongoing support to help them maintain employment.
• Family support: Family members can play a vital role in supporting individuals with psychosis. They can provide emotional support, help with medication management, and advocate for the individual's needs.

Coping

Coping with psychosis can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life:

• Find a support group: Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with psychosis to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive encouragement.
• Educate yourself about psychosis: The more you know about psychosis, the better you can understand and manage your symptoms. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about psychosis.
• Take your medications as prescribed: If you are prescribed antipsychotic medications, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed. Skipping doses or taking less than the prescribed amount can make your symptoms worse.
• Get regular exercise: Exercise can help improve your mood, energy levels, and sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can improve your overall health and well-being, which can also help to improve your symptoms of psychosis.
• Get enough sleep: When you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to experience symptoms of psychosis. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs can worsen symptoms of psychosis. If you are struggling with substance abuse, talk to your doctor about getting help.