PSYCHOSIS
WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?
Psychosis is a symptom of mental illness which can occur at any time in an individual's life. Categorized by an individual's detachment from reality, psychosis is both common and treatable.
According to the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI, 2014), approximately 3 percent of all individuals will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. The majority of these individuals will recover with treatment.
HOW PREVALENT IF PSYCHOSIS?
WHAT CAUSES PSYCHOSIS?
Despite decades of research on psychosis, researchers have been unable to identify why some individuals experience psychosis over the course of their lifetome, while others do not. Popular ideas include biological factors, as psychosis can be brought on both as a result of a psychological condition and a general medical condition, as well as speculation that psychosis can be caused by environmental factors, including substance use and stress.
WHO IS AT GREATEST RISK?
Individuals with a genetic history of mental illness, specifically, individuals with a parent diagnosed with a psychotic disorder are more likely to develop psychosis.
WHEN DOES PSYCHOSIS OCCUR?
Adolescents and young adults are at the greatest risk for the first onset of psychosis with the average age range between 15 and 25 years. For females, onset is often later than that in males. While some individuals may not experience symptoms of psychosis until after the age of 40, the majority of these cases have a medical cause and require care from a physician or specialist.
WHAT DOES FIRST EPISODE OF PSYCHOSIS MEAN?
First episode of psychosis is defined as the first time that an individual experiences symptoms of psychosis. These experiences are often reported to be highly frightening, confusing, and distressing for the individual due to unfamiliarity of the experience.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF PSYCHOSIS?
Psychosis occurs in a series of three stages. With treatment and support, many individuals progress through all three stages. While the duration of phases varies from one individual to teh next, the sequence remains the same. These stages are:
* Prodromal Phase or Warning Stage
* Acute Phase or Active Stage
* Recovery Phase or Reduction or Elimination Stage
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WHAT ARE SOME EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF PSYCHOSIS?
While early warning signs of psychosis often go unnoticed, the following are some signs to look for:
* A reduction in concentration
* A reducation in motivation
* Decreased mood
* Sleep disturbance
* Anxiety
* Social Isolation or Withdrawal
* Irritability
* Suspiciousness of Others
* Reduction in Role Performance (i.e., home, school, etc.)
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS?
Symptoms of psychosis often affect the ways in which individuals think, feel, and act. While symptoms vary, common symptoms include:
* Hallucinations
* Delusions
* Confused Thinking
* Changes in Feelings
* Behavioral Changes
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WHAT IMPACT DOES SUBSTANCE ABUSE HAVE ON PSYCHOSIS?
Research has identified several substances that appear to increase the potential for an individual to develop psychosis with earlier age of use corresponding to a greater risk for developing psychosis. These substances include:
* Marijuana/Hash/THC
* Methamphetamine (including crystal meth)
* PCP/Psilocybin/Peyote/Mascaline
* LSD
* Ketamine
* Steroids
* Amphetamines/stimulants
WHAT FACTORS SUPPORT RECOVERY FROM PSYCHOSIS
Because each individual who experiences tehse symptoms is not the same, a personalized plan of recovery should be developed. Factors to consider when developing a plan include:
* Treatment Participation
* Focus on Personal Goals
* Support Systems
* Self-Care
* Reduced pr Eliminated Substance Use
* Increased Structure
