About Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them such as when a person loses touch with reality.

The two main symptoms of psychosis are:

• hallucinations – where a person hears, sees and, in some cases, feels, smells or tastes things that aren't there; a common hallucination is hearing voices
• delusions – where a person believes things that, when examined rationally, are obviously untrue – for example, thinking your next door neighbour is planning to kill you

Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode. The combination of hallucinations and delusional thinking can often severely disrupt perception, thinking, emotion, and behaviour. These experiences can be frightening. They may also cause people who are experiencing psychosis to hurt themselves or others. It is important to see a doctor right away if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

Causes of psychosis

Each case of psychosis is different, and the exact cause is not always clear. There are, however, certain illnesses that cause psychosis. There are also triggers like drug use, lack of sleep, and other environmental factors. In addition, certain situations can lead to specific types of psychosis to develop.

Psychosis isn't a condition in itself – it's triggered by other conditions.

It's sometimes possible to identify the cause of psychosis as a specific mental health condition, such as:

• schizophrenia – a condition that causes a range of psychological symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions
• bipolar disorder – a mental health condition that affects mood; a person with bipolar disorder can have episodes of depression (lows) and mania (highs)
• severe depression – some people with depression also have symptoms of psychosis when they're very depressed

Psychosis can also be triggered by traumatic experiences, stress, or physical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, a brain tumor, or as a result of drug misuse or alcohol misuse.

How often a psychotic episode occurs and how long it lasts can depend on the underlying cause.

What is first episode of psychosis?

The terms "early psychosis" or "first episode psychosis" mean that an individual is experiencing psychosis for the first time.

Psychotic episodes are periods of time when symptoms of psychosis are strong and interfere with daily life. Although the lengths of these episodes vary from person to person and may only last a few hours or days, psychosis may continue for weeks, months or even years unless the person receives proper treatment.

Treating psychosis

Treatment for psychosis involves using a combination of:

• anti-psychotic medication – which can help relieve the symptoms of psychosis
• psychological therapies –  these have proved successful in helping people with schizophrenia; in appropriate cases, family therapy has been shown to reduce the need for hospital treatment in people with psychosis
• social support – support with social needs, such as education, employment, or accommodation

Most people with psychosis who get better with medication need to continue taking it for at least a year. Some people need to take medication long term to prevent symptoms recurring.

Mental health conditions such as Psychosis are just as common as other health conditions like diabetes. It is therefore encouraged to seek help as early as possible for both Psychosis and Substance Abuse.

Why should you find help very early?

Mental health conditions like Psychosis have negative effects on your social, psychological and economic life. They can affect your relationships, school/work performance and can even robe you of essential life and other survival skills. To maximize on greater chances of recovery, help should be sought as early as possible.  It is therefore encouraged to visit a clinic or health center near you immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing psychotic episodes.

Remember

Its important psychosis is treated as soon as possible, as early treatment has better long-term outcomes!