Psychotic disorders are prevalent and can negatively impact one’s quality of life but despite its prevalence, there continues to be misconceptions and stigmas surrounding psychosis.
Psychosis is characterized by a disconnection from reality, manifesting in various symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired insight. These symptoms than effect an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.
Of note, psychosis itself is not a diagnosis but rather a symptom of underlying mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and substance-induced psychotic disorder. Also, one can experience psychosis and never be diagnosed with schizophrenia or any other disorder.
Nonetheless, these experiences can be frightening, confusing, and distressing for the individual experiencing them. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it’s important to speak to your psychiatrist in San Diego to discuss treatment options.
What Causes Psychosis?
Causes of psychosis are multifaceted and involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
- Genetics: A family history of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, increases the risk of developing psychosis.
- Neurochemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, may play a role in the development of psychosis.
- Trauma: Experiencing distressing events can trigger psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals.
- Substance Abuse: Certain drugs, including cannabis, hallucinogens, and stimulants, can induce psychotic symptoms, especially in predisposed individuals.
These factors may increase one’s risk of psychotic disorders.
According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. More specifically, an estimated 1.5 million people experience schizophrenia, 7 million people with bipolar disorder, and 19.3% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2018 (9.2 million individuals).
Symptoms of Psychosis
Symptoms can be divided into two categories: positive symptoms and negative symptoms. In the positive symptoms, changes in behavior or thoughts are evident whereas in negative symptoms, the individual withdraws and minimizes social interactions, appearing emotionless.
- Hallucinations: Incudes hearing of voices, seeing things, feeling sensations, or even smelling odors that others do not. Hallucinations involve perceiving things that aren’t present in reality.
- Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. The delusions may be paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre impacting the individual’s behavior and perception of the world.
- Disorganized Thinking: This is difficulty organizing thoughts, making it challenging to communicate or follow a logical conversation.
- Impaired Insight: One of the hallmarks of psychosis is a lack of awareness that one’s thoughts or perceptions are distorted. This can make it challenging for individuals to recognize that they need help.
- Negative symptoms: Presents as a blunted affect, limited speech, reduced goal-directed activity due to decreased motivation, minimal socialization, and a decreased ability to experience pleasure.
Treatment of Psychosis
Psychosis is a challenging and often distressing mental health condition that requires understanding, empathy, and comprehensive support. Treatment includes combination of medication, therapy, and support services tailored to the individual’s need.
Because psychosis can occur in people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. It may emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood as well as later in life. With the underlying risk factors, such as genetics and trauma history, it can influence the onset and severity of psychotic symptoms. It is crucial to talk to your mental health provider in San Diego for treatment options!