What is Psychosis and What are its Symptoms?

Psychosis is a disorder that affects the way the brain processes data. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You may see, hear, or believe things that are not real. Psychosis is a symptom, not a disease. Mental and physical illnesses, substance use, or excessive stress and trauma can cause it.

Psychosis is found in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and this usually manifests itself for the first time in late adolescence or early adulthood. Young individuals are particularly likely to contract it, but doctors don't know why it happens. Even before you experience what doctors describe as your first psychotic episode, you may experience subtle changes in the way you think and behave. This is called the prodromal period and can last a few days, weeks, months or even years.

Psychosis Symptoms

Psychosis does not start suddenly. It generally follows this pattern:

• Warning signs before psychosis: It begins with gradual changes in the way you think and understand the world. You or your family members may notice:

  • Decline in grades and job performance,

  • Difficulty thinking clearly or concentration,

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  • Doubts about others and not being comfortable around them,

  • Lack of self-care and hygiene,

  • Spending more time alone than usual,

  • Giving stronger emotional reactions to situations than normal,

  • Being emotionless.

• Early signs of psychosis: You may see:

  • Seeing, tasting and hearing things that others do not see ,

  • Holding on to unusual beliefs and thoughts no matter what others say,

  • Withdrawing yourself from family and friends,

  • Stop taking care of yourself,

  • Inability to think clearly or lack of attention.

• Symptoms of a psychotic episode: In addition to the above, you will probably notice the following:

  • Hallucinations:

    • Audible hallucinations : Hearing voices when no one is around,

    • Touch Ma hallucinations: Feelings and sensations that you cannot explain,

    • Visual hallucinations: Seeing people and things that are not there or thinking that the shapes of objects are wrong.

  • Delusions: Beliefs that are not connected to your culture and do not mean anything to others:

    • Other forces are responsible for your emotions and actions,

    • Small events and comments have big meanings,

    • Having special powers such as being on a special mission or being a god.

Causes of Psychosis

Doctors do not know the exact cause of psychosis, but some known risk factors are as follows: :

• Genetics: Your genes may be predisposed to psychosis, but this does not necessarily mean that you will have psychosis.

• Drugs: Some prescription drugs and alcohol excessive consumption or drugs.

• Trauma: Things such as the death of a loved one, sexual abuse, or war can cause psychosis. The type of trauma and how old you were when you experienced it also play a role.

• Injuries and diseases: Traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and HIV also cause psychosis. may be.

Psychosis can also be a symptom of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

You can see a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will find what may be causing your symptoms and watch for any associated conditions. Doctors can diagnose mental illness after ruling out other things that may cause psychotic symptoms.

Medical Treatment for Psychosis

Early treatment after the first psychotic episode is very important. In this way, symptoms that affect your relationships, work and school life can be kept at bay. You may also avoid further problems.

The doctor may recommend coordinated special care. This is a team approach to treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. Medications and therapy are administered together, and job and educational support is provided. Families should be included as much as possible.

The doctor's recommendation will vary depending on the cause of your psychosis.

The doctor may relieve your symptoms by prescribing antipsychotic medications. He or she will also recommend that you avoid drug and alcohol use.

You may also be hospitalized if you are at risk of harming yourself or someone else or if you cannot control your behavior and daily activities. The doctor will check your symptoms, look at their causes, and recommend the best treatment for you.

Psychotherapy

Counseling along with medications can also help manage psychosis.

• With cognitive behavioral therapy, you can recognize when you have psychotic episodes. It can also help you realize what's real and what's imaginary. In this type of therapy, it is also important to take your antipsychosis medications and adhere to the treatment.

• In supportive psychotherapy, you can learn to live with psychosis. Healthy thinking methods are also taught.

• In cognitive recovery therapy, it is aimed to think and understand better with computer exercises and group work.

• Your loved ones are involved in family psychoeducation and support. It helps your ability to bond and solve problems together.

• In coordinated private care, a team approach to psychosis treatment is applied. Medication and psychotherapy are carried out together and work and educational support is provided.

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