If you have a friend or family member whose behavior has suddenly become unusual, it's natural to be concerned. You may be concerned about unusual thoughts or behavior about yourself. Those looking for psychotic symptoms may be concerned about what they are seeing or feeling. Before you jump to conclusions, remember that clinical psychosis is often very different from what you see on TV or in the movies. While online information can be a starting point, it is not like speaking to a professional about what you are dealing with. In the following article, we discuss the symptoms of psychosis, its most common causes, and when to seek professional help.
Do you see, feel or hear things that are not there?
Discuss your symptoms in online therapy
What is psychosis?
PsychosisIt is only a component of several different mental health disorders and not a disorder in its own right. Because psychotic symptoms can indicate many different mental illnesses, it is important to recognize the symptoms of psychosis and to be aware of the signs of other disorders as well. Treating an underlying mental disorder can help you manage the symptoms of psychosis while also managing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other conditions.
symptoms of psychosis
Psychosis can be described as a disturbed relationship with reality. This means that people living with psychosis often don't have a solid understanding of what's going on around them in the real world. Someone with psychosis may experience hallucinations or delusions as part of their break with reality.
AhallucinationIt is an experience that involves some or all of the senses but has no real stimulation. When you hallucinate, you may see something that isn't there, hear something that isn't there, or smell something that isn't near you. It's possible that some aspects of the hallucination are real, or at least realistic. For example, you might hear your mother like you used to, but this time she's not there.
hallucinationsdiffer from hallucinations. Delusions are when someone believes things that are not true. If you're having thoughts that don't match what the surrounding evidence supports, they could be delusional. For example, you might be convinced that your partner is cheating on you even though they appear faithful, and you have no proof that they are cheating on you. When you're delusional, you might be surprised at how vivid and real your thoughts become, even when they're not true. Like hallucinations, delusions vary from person to person, so it's hard to predict what a person's delusions will be like.
Although delusions and hallucinations are easily recognizable severe symptoms of psychosis, the other less severe symptoms are just as important because diagnosing psychosis requires more than one symptom. Some other symptoms of psychosis are:
Depresión or depressed mental state
hard to focus
Angst
erratic speech
changes in sleep patterns
social withdrawal
loss of social interaction.
loss of motivation
Depression or depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts and actions can be signs of psychosis or other serious mental disorders, so it's important to look out for these symptoms.
If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, get help right away. HeNational Suicide Prevention HotlineIt is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
Difficulty concentrating, anxiety, irregular speech patterns, and changes in sleep patterns are also possible signs of psychosis. Keep in mind that changes in sleep patterns can include sleeping too little or too much. Some people with psychosis feel like they could sleep all day, while others feel they only need to sleep a few hours a day.
Withdrawing from family and friends is a troubling symptom that should not be ignored as it can indicate a number of different medical and mental illnesses or even something external in life. When caused by psychosis, withdrawal is often a sign of distrust (of the outside world, other people, etc.), which is a common symptom that people with psychosis can experience. If you notice a loved one suddenly withdrawing from family and friends, try to keep looking for them and help them explore their feelings.
Someone suffering from psychosis may also show a loss of interest and/or withdrawal from social interactions, along with a loss of motivation and desire to achieve things they used to enjoy. For some people, psychosis can interfere with thought processes to such an extent that the things they used to love are less enjoyable. It can also be difficult for people with psychosis to participate in activities because some activities can frighten them or harm them or others. Because psychotic symptoms can vary greatly in severity and manifestation, it is imperative to seek treatment for psychosis as soon as you identify symptoms in yourself or someone else.
What causes psychosis?
Why do some people develop psychosis? There are different ways in which a psychosis can develop. Because every person has a different background and upbringing, and every individual brain is different, there isn't always a specific cause that leads to every episode of psychosis. However, there are several common factors that lead many people to develop psychosis.
For some people, psychosis is a by-product of another disorder affecting the brain. For example people with Alzheimer's, dementia, HIV, syphilis or other diseases or infections affecting the brainmore prone to psychosis. Even people with brain tumors or cysts can have psychotic episodes along with strokes or epilepsy. Any medical condition that can affect the brain or change the way it works can lead to the development of psychosis. In these cases, a doctor can diagnose someone with a brain condition like Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, or even some chromosomal disorders like psychosis.
Geneticit may also play at least a small role in the development of psychosis. People who have parents, siblings, or other close relatives with psychosis are more likely to develop it. Certain genetic mutations can also increase the risk of developing some psychotic disorders (remember that psychosis is a side effect and not a mental disorder per se). If you have a family history of psychosis or other mental health disorders, it's important to look out for symptoms of psychosis. It can also be a good idea to have regular wellness check-ups with your doctor and see a therapist.
Finally, drug use (prescription or recreational) may play a role in psychosis. People who use drugs should be particularly aware of the effects some substances can have on their brain and mental well-being. Certain combinations of prescription drugs can cause side effects and symptoms that may include psychosis. Therefore, it's important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor if you experience psychotic episodes after starting a new medication. Recreational drug use canfurther increase the risk of developing a psychotic disorderand negatively affect your life in many ways.
The information contained in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any prescribed medication.
treatment of psychosis
If you or someone you know is suffering from any form of psychosis, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional right away. A doctor can help you determine the cause of your psychosis and develop a treatment plan to help you feel like yourself again. Your doctor may recommend prescription medication, therapy, or a combination of both to help manage your psychosis. Some memory disorders have specific medications that can help you feel better, and there's always the option of turning to therapy for additional help in overcoming the symptoms you're experiencing.
Mental illness should always be treated by professionals familiar with and trained in the treatment of mental illness. Treatment from a psychologist can help you better understand what you're going through, why you're going through it, and how to overcome it. Mental health professionals provide objective and unbiased support for people with a mental disorder, and their care can be particularly helpful for people experiencing psychosis. The key is to find someone you are comfortable with during treatment.
Do you see, feel or hear things that are not there? Discuss your symptoms in online therapy
Terapia online com BetterHelp
Whether you are looking for support with psychosis, your mental health, medical problems or simply support in everyday life, therapists atbest helpare at your disposal. BetterHelp has a number of mental health professionals online who can speak to you about your concerns from the comfort of your home. Those experiencing symptoms of psychosis may have difficulty finding a healthcare professional they can trust. BetterHelp allows you to connect with therapists who specialize in the areas you are struggling with and allows you to switch doctors at any time.
The effectiveness of online therapy
Online therapy can be a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy for a variety of mental disorders. Oneto studyevaluated the effectiveness of a web-based intervention for treating first episodes of psychosis in young people. The researchers found that the "self-directed and flexible nature" of the program gave participants a greater sense of control over their mental health care. The number of participants who went to emergency rooms and were admitted to psychiatric facilities also “decreased significantly”.
Take away food
Psychotic symptoms can vary in type and intensity, and no two people experience the same thing. Those with these symptoms should consult a mental health professional, as it could indicate a serious mental disorder. Online therapy can be a helpful first step in identifying possible underlying causes of symptoms and discussing possible treatment options. Psychotic symptoms can be intimidating, but they can be successfully managed with the right support and care.