What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by an impaired relationship with reality. People experiencing psychosis may have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (strongly held false beliefs). These symptoms can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

The Types

• Brief Psychotic Disorder : Short-term, often stress-triggered episodes.
• Schizophreniform Disorder : Schizophrenia-like symptoms lasting less than six months.
• Schizophrenia : Long-term, with varied psychological symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations.
• Bipolar Disorder : Extreme mood swings, sometimes with psychotic symptoms during manic phases.
• Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features : Severe depression accompanied by psychosis.

Symptoms of Psychosis

Common symptoms include :

• Hallucinations : Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there.
• Delusions : Strongly held false beliefs, often bizarre or fanciful.
• Disordered Thinking : Incoherent or nonsensical thought processes.
• Lack of Insight : Unawareness that the experiences and beliefs are psychotic.

Conditions Featuring Psychosis

Psychosis, characterized by an impaired relationship with reality, manifests in various conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder (during manic or severe depressive episodes)
• Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features
• Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder (due to intoxication or withdrawal from substances like alcohol, hallucinogens, etc.)
• Delusional Disorder
• Parkinson’s Disease (as part of Parkinson's disease psychosis)
• Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of Dementia (particularly in the later stages)
• Brief Psychotic Disorder
• Psychotic Disorders Due to Another Medical Condition (such as brain tumors or infections)

Early recognition and treatment of psychosis across these conditions are crucial for managing symptoms and improving outcomes.

Living with Psychosis

Navigating life with psychosis is indeed challenging, yet with appropriate care and a strong support network, individuals can lead rewarding lives. A holistic treatment plan typically encompasses medication, various therapeutic approaches, and ongoing support from medical professionals, alongside encouragement from family and peers.

Self-Help for Psychosis

Empowering oneself through self-help strategies is crucial:

Stress Management

Identifying and mitigating stressors plays a key role in symptom management.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a nutritious diet, and ensuring sufficient rest are foundational for mental and physical health.

Building Support Networks

Forging connections with family, friends, and support groups fosters a vital sense of belonging and support.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating practices such as meditation and yoga can significantly aid in managing psychosis symptoms.

Understanding and Managing Triggers

Learning to recognise personal triggers can help in avoiding or coping with them effectively.

Creative Expression

Artistic activities like painting, writing, or playing music offer therapeutic outlets for expression and stress relief.

Enhancing Treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT for psychosis specifically targets unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, providing tools to challenge and change distressing beliefs and reduce the impact of symptoms on daily life.

Utilizing Digital Tools and Educational Resources

Digital apps designed for mental health can assist in monitoring symptoms and managing stress, while educational resources demystify psychosis, promoting understanding and empathy within the community.