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Psychosis is a complex symptom of many different mental health concerns.
It manifests in different ways and may be a permanent or temporary condition.
The symptoms vary between different people, even if they have the same underlying condition.
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Heres an overview of what psychosis is and how to address it.
Symptoms of Psychosis
Simply put, psychosis is when someone loses contact with reality.
Someone who is experiencing psychosis cant tell the difference between what is real and what isnt.
They experiencedelusionsorhallucinationsthat disrupt their lives and may prevent them from being independent depending on the severity of their condition.
A common delusion for someone experiencing psychosis is that someone is watching them.
However, delusions can also includegrandiosebeliefs or that someone is in love with you, among other things.
Hallucinations are different from delusions.
While delusions are based on beliefs, hallucinations are more focused on the senses.
In some cases, a person has apsychotic breakas a one-time occurrence.
While these conditions are associated with psychosis, they arent the only cause.
This increases their risk for self-harm and suicide attempts.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Postpartum Psychosis
The onset of postpartum psychosis usually occurs within a few weeks of giving birth.
Mothers experiencing postpartum psychosis may appear to be manic, depressed, or emotionally withdrawn.
As a result, they are often misdiagnosed with either of these conditions.
The symptoms are very similar to other types of psychosis, which include hallucinations, and delusions.
They may also experience depression and/or mania depending on which pop in of schizoaffective disorder they have.
Schizophrenia
When you think of psychosis, you probably think of schizophrenia.
Its one of the most commonly referenced psychotic disorders.
People who have schizophrenia experience hallucinations and delusions that alter their perception of reality.
They also contend with disordered thinking and exhibit abnormal behavior that make it difficult to function.
In the most severe cases of schizophrenia, people require guardians to oversee their care.
Treatment for Psychosis
There are a lot of treatment options for psychosis.
Most people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.
Severe cases may require inpatient treatment until the person becomes more stable.
Other medications may also help manage symptoms, likeantipsychotics,benzodiazepines, and others.
Should your treatment for psychosis stop working as well as it used to, discuss it with your doctor.
They may be able to adjust the dose or prescribe another treatment to help manage your symptoms.
Many people live with conditions that cause psychosis.
It can be disabling, but it doesnt have to be.
Finding a treatment that works can give people with psychotic disorders a new lease on life.
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