Psychosis: signs of the disorder, symptoms and treatments.

I am often approached by clients with great grief: one day they discover that their loved ones have turned into completely different people because of psychosis. And what to do, how to help such people, how to withstand the colossal load on their own nervous system, many people simply do not know.

Psychosis is a group of mental disorders that cause a distorted perception of the picture of the world, as a result of which a person behaves inappropriately to the situation.

What types of psychosis are there

Depending on the cause of psychosis, two large groups of disorders are distinguished.

1. The first group includes disorders that were caused by an organic lesion of the nervous system. For example, such psychoses are characteristic of patients with atherosclerosis, syphilis of the brain, provoke disorders can be some types of tumors.
2. The second group of psychoses is caused by genetic features of the nervous system, psychological factors.

All types of psychosis have such symptoms as inadequate behavior of the psychotic, strange affective reactions, detachment, inadequate perception of reality, problems with generalization and comprehension of what is happening, a tendency to hypochondria.

How psychosis manifests itself in people

The manifestation of psychosis is a radical change in attitude towards people, phenomena, objects of reality. Often the changes result in a hostile or detached perception of the world.

1. The first phase of the development of psychosis is characterized by hypochondria, the patient is concerned about the state of health, is sure that terrible diagnoses are hidden from him and so on.
2. The second phase is characterized by delusional or hallucinogenic constructions and attempts to establish relationships with the surrounding world. The problem is that the patient seeks to build relationships in an imaginary world, while those around him and himself live in the real world.

People prone to psychosis often show certain abnormalities even before the active phase of the disease begins. The character of the person deteriorates, irritability and excessive sensitivity are noticeable, appetite is lost, sleep disorders are observed, he falls into depression, becomes uninitiative and careless towards himself. Work capacity and stress resistance falls. Many sufferers of psychosis are fond of religion, the occult, begin to be interested in the supernatural. In terms of social relationships, a person who develops psychosis, changes dramatically: goes into himself, cuts off ties with many people, becomes suspicious. The patient has a feeling that he or she hears and sees things that other people cannot perceive, in addition, there is confidence in the supernatural influence of strangers and objects on him or her (for example, suspicions arise that someone is reading the thoughts of a person who suffers from psychosis).

What should you do if you have been diagnosed with psychosis?

If someone close to you has at least half of the symptoms described, do not delay a visit to specialists.

In my experience, it is very difficult to convince a patient to see a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Do not insist on such a visit right away, but rather suggest, for example, a visit to a psychologist for depression. The psychologist or psychotherapist will be able to convince the patient that there is nothing wrong with a visit to the doctor, medication is not a way to poison a troubled member of society. In addition, while psychosis at the initial stage is possible to do with little blood. Namely: a good psychoanalyst or psychotherapist and sparing not always chemical drugs. Combination therapy, during which the use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, neuroleptics or other drugs is combined with psychotherapy sessions, can significantly ease the life of both the patient and the people around him.

It is also worthwhile to consult a psychotherapist for people who constantly communicate with a psychotic person. The fact is that psychosis is usually treated on an outpatient basis, which means that the environment of the person being treated will undergo a series of severe tests, and you need to be prepared for them, you need to know how to behave in different situations and be able to withstand stress.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is psychosis and how does it manifest itself?
   Psychosis is a group of mental disorders in which a person loses touch with reality. It is manifested by distorted perception of the world, inadequate behavior, delusions, hallucinations and impaired thinking.
2. What early warning signs may indicate the development of psychosis?
   Early symptoms include irritability, anxiety, decreased performance, sleep disturbances, depression, withdrawal, and increased interest in mysticism or religion.
3. What types of psychosis are there and how do they differ?
   Psychoses are divided into organic (caused by damage to the nervous system) and functional (related to psychological factors). There is also a distinction between acute and chronic forms, including schizophrenic, affective and reactive psychoses.
4. How is psychosis treated and can it be fully recovered?
   Treatment of psychosis includes drug therapy (antipsychotics, antidepressants), psychotherapy and social rehabilitation. Full recovery is possible, especially with early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment.
5. When should I seek professional help for suspected psychosis?
   If a person is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or sudden changes in behavior or mood, it is important to see a psychiatrist or psychotherapist immediately to evaluate the condition and prescribe treatment.