Psychosis is a state in which a person loses touch with reality, typically accompanied by delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking, among other symptoms. These disturbing thoughts and sensory experiences cause a dissociation from reality and a challenge to discriminate between what is and isn’t real.
One in every 100 people will have a psychotic episode in their lifetime, yet not everyone experiences psychosis in the same manner. There are various varieties of psychosis, as well as various causes and events that might lead to it.
Psychosis is not a standalone condition. It is a sign of a number of mental health conditions, or it can emerge as a result of brain changes, traumatic events, injuries, or substance use.
Psychosis is described by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as the experience of hallucinations, delusions, or both. Individuals may have little or no awareness of their symptoms.
Psychosis is characterized by neuropsychiatric disorders that cause a distorted perception of reality. These symptoms may impair a person’s capacity to function in daily life, such as going to school, working, or maintaining relationships.
There is no commonly accepted classification system for psychosis. There are various types of events or conditions that might lead to psychosis.
The major symptom of schizophrenia spectrum illnesses is psychosis. These disorders are classified under “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders” in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).”
This category includes the following psychotic disorders:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizophreniform disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Delusional disorder
- Brief psychotic disorder
- Unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder
- Other specific psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia spectrum,
Other mental health illnesses that are not classified as psychotic disorders in the DSM-5 can also contribute to psychosis.
These are some of the conditions:
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Postpartum psychosis
- Severe major depressive disorder
Organic psychosis, also known as secondary psychosis, develops as a result of an acquired shift in brain function.
Organic psychosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia8
- Stroke
- Other brain abnormalities
Substance Induces Psychosis
Substance or pharmaceutical abuse can also lead to psychosis. Psychosis can be caused by alcohol, cannabis, and some illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
Some prescription drugs, such as anxiolytics and sedatives, can cause psychosis. Medication withdrawal might potentially result in psychosis.
This type of psychosis is classified as “Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder” in the DSM-5.
Psychosis is a symptom of a variety of illnesses, including psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. For someone to be said to be having a psychotic episode, a few specific symptoms must be present.
Symptoms of psychosis include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disordered thinking
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are erroneous sensory experiences or sensory experiences that occur in the absence of stimuli. Hallucinations are classified according to their sensory system, and can include auditory or visual hallucinations.
Delusions
A delusion is a persistent, mistaken belief. Common delusions include believing that the television has unique messages for you, that people are working against you, that someone (typically a celebrity) is in love with you, that your thoughts are being controlled, and many other things.
Disordered Thinking
Another characteristic of psychosis is disordered thinking, which is severe enough to hinder communication. Fast, racing thoughts, derailment, perseveration (uncontrollable repeating ideas), illogicality, tangentiality, and other symptoms of disordered thinking are examples.
Early warning signs and symptoms
Other symptoms may appear before a person has a full-blown psychotic episode. Knowing these early warning signs will help you seek the right help to lower your chances of developing psychosis.
Early symptoms of a psychotic condition may include:
- a drop in performance at work or in the classroom
- Concentration issues
- Isolation has increased.
- Absence from family, friends, and colleagues
- Sudden deterioration in self-care and hygiene
- Emotional intensity or emotional apathy
- Distrust or suspicion of others
- Unusual ideas or opinions that contradict what the majority of people believe
It is critical to get medical attention if you or someone you know has a psychotic episode or symptoms of psychosis.
Sometimes a person has only one psychotic episode. If the episode lasts more than a day but less than a month, it may be classified as a brief psychotic condition.
Psychosis is always a sign of a larger problem, which could be a psychotic disorder, another mental health problem, a biological cause, or a substance or medication-related reason.
Seeking a diagnosis can help you receive the proper treatment for your disease and lessen other symptoms. If you are experiencing psychosis as a result of medication or substances, your healthcare professional can also assist you in determining the best course of action.
If you have any symptoms of psychosis, you should consult your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Getting a diagnosis and treatment is critical if you want to enhance your quality of life.
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