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Psychosis is when someone experiences a break from reality and see, hear, feel, think, or believe things that are not based in reality. There are several psychosis related disorders, and symptoms of psychosis can be associated with other mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder. It’s estimated that between 15 and 100 people out of 100,000 develop symptoms of psychosis yearly. People in their late teens and 20s and some older adults are more likely to experience psychosis. The good news is that psychosis is treatable, and many people live fulfilling lives with proper support and care.
Symptoms and Signs of Psychosis
When people experience psychosis, they usually demonstrate a number of other symptoms and signs that the person isn’t doing well. Additionally, many people may not realize that what they are experiencing is a break from reality, making it very difficult for them to understand what’s happening and to ask for help.
Emotional and Cognitive Signs and Symptoms:
- Delusions or false beliefs, or believing things that aren’t based in reality
- Unwarranted suspiciousness and paranoid ideas
- Being uneasy with others
- Trouble thinking in a logical and clear way
- Unusual or overly intense ideas
- Emotions that seem unusual or a lack of emotional feeling
- Difficulty or inability to distinguish fantasy from reality
- Intense emotions, anxiety, or a lack of motivation
Physical Signs and Symptoms:
- Feeling sensations that have no clear cause, such as feeling like there are bugs crawling on one’s skin
- Trouble sleeping
- Being unable to move or unresponsive
Behavioral Signs, Symptoms, and Changes:
- Trouble communicating, including speech that is confusing or nonsensical, or isn’t situationally appropriate
- Withdrawal from social relationships, increased alone time
- Sudden and significant changes where they are no longer able to care for themselves or fulfill responsibilities, such as trouble at work or school, or being unable to do basic self-care and hygienic tasks
When to Seek Help:
If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing psychosis, especially if the symptoms interfere with daily activities, it's important to reach out for professional support. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Treatment Options for Psychosis
There are many options for psychosis, with the gold standard being medication management and therapy. In addition, peer support and community involvement can also bolster treatment efforts by improving relationships and a sense of community with others who understand what they’ve been through.
Evidence-Based Treatments:
Therapy:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis: This modality helps to support people in identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns, and therefore, reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life for people living with psychosis.
- Individual therapy: The therapeutic alliance that develops between the therapist and the person with psychosis aids in the recovery process, increasing trust and a sense of safety with others.
- Family therapy: Involving loved ones can have a significant impact on the recovery process. Family therapy can help everyone get on the same page, develop and reinforce plans for treatment and self-care, and enhance communication.
Medication:
- Antipsychotics: Considered the gold standard of treatment for psychosis, there are several options in this class of medications, and they help to regulate the neurotransmitters involved in psychotic symptoms. A qualified medical clinician can determine which is best, for example, some have been indicated to also work to reduce suicide risk.
Lifestyle Support:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise and movement
- Sleep hygiene practices
- Stress management techniques
- Social support networks
- Limiting the use of alcohol or drugs
Crisis Resources
Immediate Help:
Emergency
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
When to Seek Emergency Care:
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Inability to care for basic needs
- Psychotic symptoms that put someone at risk of being a danger to their own safety or the safety of others
How Willow Health Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with psychosis or is experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out to the team at Willow Health today. We offer same-day or next business day appointments to ensure that people experiencing a mental health crisis receive the timely care they need.
Our patients meet with both a psychotherapist and a psychiatric medication clinician provider for an assessment to create an individualized care plan tailored to meet each person’s needs. We also offer care management and peer support services to ensure comprehensive support is available to all of our patients. We would be honored to support you in your healing and recovery process.
Sources
- Understanding Psychosis - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) | Psychiatry Online
- Psychosis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis: The end of the line or time for a new approach? - Newman‐Taylor - 2024 - Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Wiley Online Library
- Family-focused therapy for individuals at high clinical risk for psychosis: A confirmatory efficacy trial
- Individual psychotherapy can reduce suicidal ideation in first episode psychosis: Further findings from the 2‐year follow‐up of the ‘Parma Early Psychosis’ programme
FAQs
For more detailed information or personalized assistance, feel free to reach out to us directly — your journey to understanding and accessing transformative behavioral health care starts with a conversation.
Willow currently accepts select insurance plans for payment of your psychiatrist, psychiatric NP, or therapist’s services. Call us at (646) 814-1530 to check your coverage status.
There are numerous psychosis-related conditions and other mental health disorders that can have related symptoms, so the experience of psychosis as well as the recovery timeline can differ greatly. This is why an individualized treatment approach is so vital.
For people experiencing psychosis, medications are often recommended to address the biological causes of symptoms. Only a qualified medical clinician can determine if you’re a candidate for medication and what type is right for you.
Yes! Many people who have experienced psychosis go on to recover and lead meaningful lives. Treatment can help. Contact us today to get started.