About Psychosis

Overview

Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person's thoughts and perceptions are disrupted, and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not. Some common signs and symptoms of psychosis include:

• Disrupted thoughts and perceptions
• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• Delusions (intense false beliefs that are not shared by others)
• Bizarre or unusual behavior
• Problems with social interaction
• Difficulties in carrying out routine daily tasks

Psychosis can be caused by various factors such as mental health conditions like schizophrenia, certain medical conditions like Parkinson's disease (PD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD), or substance abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it is important to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Psychosis is a complex condition with various disease mechanisms, causes and risk factors.

• Physical causes of psychosis in the body: Genetic Factors: Research suggests that genetics can influence the chance of developing psychosis. Individuals with a higher genetic risk might also be more likely to face difficulties before or during birth, which can increase the chance of developing psychosis later on.
• Epigenetic Changes: Epigenetic changes are changes in the body that happen because of things in the environment. These changes can show how the environment affects a person and may explain why people with psychosis act differently.

Non-modifiable risk factors cannot be changed or controlled. This includes:

• Genetic Factors: A family history of psychosis or mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, can significantly increase the risk of developing psychosis.

Modifiable risk factors can be influenced or changed. These include:

• Parenting Quality: The quality of parenting has been strongly linked to how serious and long-lasting mental illnesses, like psychosis, can be. Improving parenting practices may help reduce the risk or impact of psychosis.
• Early Intervention: Early, targeted treatments can help reduce the impact of certain risk factors that may lead to psychosis over time.

It's important to note that these risk factors are based on research findings, and individual experiences may vary. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of psychosis include:

• Significant changes in school or job performance
• Feelings of unease or suspicion around people
• Strong or absent emotions
• Decline in personal hygiene
• Difficulty concentrating
• Social withdrawal
• Unusual, persistent thoughts and beliefs
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there
• Confused speech

As psychosis progresses or becomes more severe, other common symptoms may occur. These can include:

• Hallucinations: Experiencing things that aren't real, such as seeing or hearing things that others don't
• Delusions: Holding false beliefs that are not based on evidence or proof
• Decline in self-care or personal hygiene
• Reduced job or school performance
• Growing suspicion or feelings of unease
• Paying less attention to personal hygiene
• Emotions without a clear reason, or a lack of emotion

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and only a mental health professional can accurately diagnose and determine the severity of psychosis. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek help from a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis

To diagnose psychosis, doctors typically perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:

• Psychiatric evaluation: A doctor observes the person's behavior and asks questions about their experiences to assess symptoms.
• Medical history: The doctor collects personal, family, medical, cultural, social, and religious history to understand potential underlying causes.
• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination, including a mental and neurological assessment, is conducted to identify any physical factors contributing to psychosis.
• Medical tests: Depending on the signs and symptoms, doctors may request various tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), metabolic profile, thyroid function tests, urine toxicology testing, and measurement of specific hormones and vitamins.
• Brain imaging: In most cases, brain imaging is not necessary for diagnosing psychosis. However, it may be considered if the person presents with a new severe headache, recent head trauma, or specific neurological problems.

To determine the stage or severity of psychosis, additional examinations or tests may include:

• Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ): A screening tool used to identify individuals at risk of psychosis based on specific criteria indicative of a psychotic episode
• Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN): A structured diagnostic interview conducted by clinically trained research interviewers to assess for probable psychosis

It's important to note that the specific examinations, tests, and procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and determining the stage or severity of psychosis.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for psychosis are to:

• Limit the duration of untreated time by promoting early detection
• Treat psychosis symptoms and characteristics such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive decline, emotional dysfunction, and emerging brain dysfunction
• Address additional symptoms and other disorders that may be present
• Provide education about unhealthy ways people might use substances to cope with their problems
• Delay and prevent the onset of psychosis altogether and lessen symptom severity in cases that do transition
• Educate caretakers and put resources in place prior to potentially stressful times

Medications help manage symptoms by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Medication types commonly used for treating psychosis include:

• Antipsychotics: These medications help reduce psychotic symptoms by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Mood stabilizers: Used to manage mood swings and prevent episodes of mania or depression that can occur alongside psychosis

Therapies and therapeutic procedures recommended for psychosis treatment include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with psychosis
• Family therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication, reduce stress, and provide support
• Social skills training: Teaches individuals how to improve their social interactions and relationships

Health behavior changes that can support treatment goals for psychosis include:

• Regular exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of psychosis.
• Adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall mental well-being.
• Avoiding substance abuse: Substance abuse can worsen symptoms of psychosis.

Other treatments recommended for psychosis include:

• Psychoeducation: Provides information about the illness, treatment options, coping strategies, and support resources.
• Case management: Offers assistance with accessing services, managing medication, and coordinating care.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can tailor a treatment plan based on individual needs.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.