Understanding Psychosis Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Types

1. Understanding Psychosis: Understanding Psychosis: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Types Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Types Most people associate psychosis with a disconnection from reality. In some ways, it is. Psychosis is defined as disruptions in a person's thoughts, which make it very hard for them to distinguish between what is real and what is not. These interferences are frequently manifested as hearing, seeing and believing things that are not real, as well as having continued, relentless, and odd emotional, thought, and Behavioral patterns. While everyone's experience is unique, most people describe psychosis as frightening and perplexing. In India, mental illnesses are not new. In fact, India has one of the highest incidences of mental health disorders in the world with one in every seven individuals suffering from a mental disorder. The total percentage of people suffering from mental health disorders is 14 percent. Of these, nearly 1.5 crore people suffer from severe psychotic disorders. Signs of psychosis: early warning Rarely psychosis or first episode psychosis (FEP) unexpectedly. A person typically subtle, alterations in thoughts and perceptions without being aware of them. It might be challenging to discern early indicators from regular teen or young adult behavior. While these symptoms should not raise any red flags, they might point necessity for a doctor's evaluation. does early strike experiences non-specific warning to the It is crucial to motivate people to get treatment for early psychosis. Families are most often the first to notice the initial indications of psychosis and the first to bring up the subject of getting help. Delusions, anxieties, stigma, and a general sense of unease can make it difficult for someone to receive aid. Families may find this situation very challenging, yet they need to approach a professional for the correct advice because the best chance of recovery comes from receiving therapy early. Doing so can assist to lessen, stop, or even reverse the consequences of psychosis.

2. These are some early warning signs that a family should look out for: ●a worrying decline in performance at work or in grades ●difficulty focusing or thinking clearly ●a feeling of unease or suspicion toward people ●declining levels of personal hygiene or self-care ●a great deal more time alone than normal, social isolation ●Having extreme, inappropriate emotions, or none at all If a family notices any or all of the above of the above symptoms, then they need to get in touch with a professional for help. Symptoms of a psychotic episode Psychosis does not set in suddenly. It manifests as FEP and gradually worsens over time if no action is taken. A person suffering from psychosis would battle the below mentioned symptoms in addition to audio-visual experiences especially when no one else is around. ●Tactile visions: Strange sensations or unexplainable passions ●Visual visions: People or visions that do not exist or are abnormal ●Visions: Beliefs that are not in line with general perception and which may not make sense to others, like: - Patients conducting themselves according to others commands - Patients considering themselves as Gods - Patients having super powers Delusions Lots of people have beliefs that other people may not understand or believe in. This is acceptable. However, a vision is generally an experience that no one else shares, understands or believes. The person experiencing a vision feels that it is real and has difficulty in negating what they felt. A patient might imagine that they are a very important person. For example, they may believe that they are rich and important or that they can control the stock market or rainfall. These kinds of beliefs are occasionally called 'visions of majesty'. Some people spend a lot of money or take on a lot of debt while they are experiencing psychosis. This happens because their sense of reality is affected. Some visions can be shocking and can make the patient feel threatened or unsafe. For example, the patient might feel that a commodity or someone is trying to control, harm or kill them. Such ideas are referred to as ‘paranoid visions’.

3. Hallucinations The word "daydream" comes from Latin and means "to wander mentally.” Visions are defined as the "perception of an absent object or event." In nonprofessional's terms, visions involve hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, and even tasting things that are not real. Audible visions, which involve hearing voices or other sounds that have no physical source, are the most common type of hallucinations. These occur constantly in people with psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar and psychosis. Causes Experts do not know what exactly causes psychosis, but some known threat factors include: ●Genetics: A person may have the genes for it, but that does not always mean that they will get psychosis. ●Medications: long-term use of some medicines may lead to psychosis ●Substanceuse: Use, abuse and dependence on substances like alcohol or recreational drugs like LSD, marijuana, and amphetamines may lead to the development of psychosis ●Trauma: Any kind of trauma like the death of a loved one, a sexual assault, or war may lead to psychosis. The type of trauma and the age at which one experiences this trauma also plays a part in this. Even traumatic brain injury may lead to psychosis. ●Chronic illnesses: Brain excrescences, strokes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, HIV and some other chronic diseases may also bring on psychosis. Types of Psychosis Schizophrenia: This is the mostcommonplace psychotic disorder is schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia struggle with hallucinations and delusions that last longer than six months. They also exhibit social isolation and poor performance in school, home and work. Schizoaffective disorder: Schizoaffective disorder patients struggle with the symptoms of a mood disorder. This disorder may be depression and/or schizophrenia. Schizophreniform disorder: Patients who experience symptoms of schizophrenia for less than six months may be suffering from schizophreniform disorder. Brief psychotic disorder: When a patient has only rapid, fleeting, and unforeseen occurrences of psychosis, they may be battling with brief psychotic disorder. The occurrences associated with this disorder are usually a reaction to a challenging or traumatic situation. These symptoms last not more than 30 days. Delusional disorder: Patients with delusional disorder believe in things related to real- life situations but that are not true. An example of this would be being followed or plotted against. Patients diagnosed with this disorder experience this disorder for at least one month.

4. Substance-induced psychotic disorder: Sometimes, people who use, abuse and are dependent on substances may also experience symptoms of psychosis. This is called substance-induced psychotic disorder. Psychosis due to a medical condition: When psychosis symptoms manifest as a result of ailments that affect brain function, the patient may be diagnosed with psychosis due to a chronic ailment or a medical condition. Paraphrenia: When schizophrenia manifests in senior citizens, it is called Paraphrenia. The road ahead If you or a loved one experience any of the above mentioned symptoms of psychosis, then seek immediate professional help. Athena Behavioral Health is the leading addiction and mental health treatment center in India. We have a state-of-the art center which is highly confidential, safe and secure. Our team of medical experts customize the treatment package as per the needs and requirements of the patient ensuring that they not only recover at the center but are set on the path of healing for a lifetime. For more information about treatment packages, WhatsApp 9289086193. For more information, please visit: For more information, please visit: - - www.athenabhs.com www.athenabhs.com