If You are in need of assistance...
Contact us immediately. In the case of an emergency please contact 911 or visit your emergency department.
Psychosis Treatment
Request a Confidential Callback
What is PSYCHOSIS?
When someone experiences psychosis the way their brain processes information causes a break with reality. Often people will see, hear, feel, or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis can involve delusions, hallucinations, or both; it can be a temporary symptom or reoccurring.
What Are Delusions?
Delusions are false ideas or beliefs about yourself, people around you, or events. Delusions often involve feelings or paranoia. Delusions are disruptive thought patterns that do not coincide with reality.
What Are Hallucinations?
When someone experiences hallucinations, they will see or hear things that aren’t present in their environment. Hallucinations involve the physical senses.
Types of Psychosis
The type of psychosis that an individual experiences is often categorized by a condition that psychotic symptoms present with.
Psychosis is a symptom of several mental health disorders, including:
- Schizophrenia — this is a mental health disorder whose key symptoms include a range of psychosis symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia.
- Schizoaffective disorders — this is a disorder that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and certain mood disorders.
- Bipolar disorder — manic episodes may spark psychotic episodes.
- Depression — individuals with severe forms of depression can experience psychotic symptoms.
On their own, psychosis symptoms can be diagnosed as:
- Delusional disorder — this disorder is characterized by symptoms that include a person’s inability to distinguish between what is real and imagined.
- Brief psychotic disorder — this disorder is often brought on by periods of prolonged intense stress.
- Postpartum psychosis — this is a severe, though rare, form of postpartum depression that requires immediate medical intervention.
- Drug-induced psychosis — certain illicit substances can cause psychotic symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Psychosis
The National Alliance on Mental Illness outlines several signs and symptoms of psychosis. These include early warning signs that someone may be about to experience their first psychotic episode, as well as the typical diagnostic hallmarks of psychosis.
Early warning signs include:
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing at school or work.
- Poor performance at work or school.
- Poor hygiene.
- Isolation.
- Unusual speech patterns or an inability to communicate with others.
- Intense emotions — particularly if they are inappropriate to the situation at hand — or no emotional response at all.
- Anhedonia (an inability to experience pleasure or enjoyment).
- Uneasiness around other people.
- Difficulty thinking clearly.
Signs of first-episode psychosis (FEP) can include many of the early warning signs, but also include persistent troublesome thoughts or beliefs, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. Psychosis is usually diagnosed if a person has experienced these signs as well as hallucinations or delusions.
It’s important to note that while knowing what signs to look for can help you or a loved one get the treatment you need, only a qualified healthcare professional can officially diagnose someone with psychosis.
Causes of Psychosis
The exact causes of psychosis aren’t totally understood but are thought to be caused by certain mental health conditions, sleep deprivation, health issues, and certain substance use disorders. Each individual case is unique to that person.
Medical conditions that can lead to psychosis include:
- Brain tumors.
- Certain types of epilepsy.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Stroke.
- HIV/AIDS.
Illicit drugs, such as methamphetamines or hallucinogens, can trigger psychotic episodes. Excessive alcohol use has also been known to lead to psychosis, especially among individuals whose use is prolonged. Heavy marijuana use — particularly if someone starts using cannabis products at a young age — can increase their odds of experiencing psychosis later in life.
Treatment for Psychosis
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating mental health disorders, including psychosis. Generally speaking, a treatment plan will be tailored to the individual’s needs after a thorough assessment that takes into account their physical health, the existence of other co-occurring disorders, and any substances — including prescription medications — that the person may be taking.
Treatment for psychosis can involve one or more or a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including:
- Pharmacotherapy (medication management) — medications may be used to help manage symptoms and regulate neurotransmitters that may be affected by certain mental health disorders.
- Psychiatry — this often involves talk therapy that is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment that teaches resilience, coping skills, trigger awareness, and problem-solving skills. Therapy can consistent of individual, group, or family counseling — or a combination of these.
- Aftercare management and support — for individuals that require more intensive residential treatment, aftercare support helps them gradually transition to day-to-day life. This can involve family support, case management, and educational or occupational support.
Psychosis Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Psychosis can have a severe impact on your quality of life and ability to participate fully in relationships, work, or school. If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of psychosis getting effective evidence-based treatment is crucial to restoring mental well-being and getting back to living the life you deserve.
At Peachtree Wellness, our expert team of mental healthcare specialists has the knowledge and experience to help you manage your psychosis symptoms and find meaningful whole-person healing. Call us today at 866-926-4177 or click here to learn more about our different levels of care, including residential mental health treatment in Atlanta.