Recognizing symptoms, understanding causes, and exploring treatment options for psychosis
Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions where a person loses touch with reality. Imagine your brain playing tricks on you:
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there (e.g., hearing voices or seeing objects that the person seeing them can't tell the difference between the real ones and them).
Strong false beliefs (e.g., thinking you're being watched or have superpowers).
Jumbled speech, trouble focusing, or acting strangely, change in behavior of an individual.
Decreased social interaction, poor self-care and hygiene maintenance, staying self-absorbed, fearfulness, unjustified suspicions, little or inappropriate expression of emotions during conversations, loss of drive to do anything, sudden change in philosophy or new appearance of philosophical thinking etc can be other symptoms of psychotic disorders.
It's usually a mix of factors—not just one thing:
Like inheriting a risk (e.g., if a close family member has it).
An imbalance in brain chemicals (like increase in dopamine).
Extreme stress, abuse, or major life changes, especially in people who are vulnerable (e.g., losing a loved one).
Especially marijuana, LSD, or meth in vulnerable people.
Brain injuries, infections, or severe sleep deprivation.
Some things make psychosis more likely:
A mix of approaches works best:
Antipsychotics (pills or shots) help reduce hallucinations/delusions.
Examples: Risperidone, Aripiprazole.
CBT: Along with medications may help to challenge false beliefs and manage stress.
Family support: Educating loved ones about the illness to improve outcomes.
Job training, housing help, and peer groups.
Early intervention is key—don't wait!
The earlier the treatment begins, the better long term outcome of the illness!
Most people with psychosis are not dangerous.
Many live full lives with treatment.
If someone shows signs (hearing voices, talking to self, unprovoked anger, aggression, abrupt or a gradual change in behavior that can't be explained otherwise), contact a psychiatrist.
Psychotic disorders are treatable conditions. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms or changes in behavior mentioned above, reach out to a mental health professional. With proper treatment and support, most people can significantly reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Contact the Steps to Care Clinic, Ekantakuna
Professional help is available - don't hesitate to reach out