Psychosis: A Guide for Family Members and Caregivers
When we hear the word “psychosis” we often view it negatively. This is because of the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that have been around for a long time. One of the most common misconceptions is that people with psychosis are dangerous and unpredictable and it is simply just not true. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), studies have shown that people with psychosis are more often victims of violence rather than perpetrators.
Psychosis is not easy and is challenging for the person going through it, as well as their loved ones who are providing them support. Whether you are a concerned family member, friend, or caregiver, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to better understand psychosis and support your loved one on their journey toward recovery. In this blog, we will also discuss the misconceptions and negative stereotypes that are circling around the world and provide factual information that would change the way people see psychosis.
WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?
Psychosis is a mental health condition that is characterized by a loss of contact with reality. It has a collection of symptoms such as delusions, and hallucinations. Psychosis can also be a symptom of an underlying serious mental disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and affect the mind are called psychosis disorders. However, it is important to note that not all people with psychosis have a mental disorder.
The term psychosis was coined way back in 1845. Karl Friedrich Canstatt was the first to use the term "psychosis," which he used to shorten the phrase "psychological neurosis," which at the time was a general term for any ailment of the nervous system. Hence, Canstatt was referring to a sign of a brain disorder.
SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS
Psychosis does not happen immediately, it develops gradually and there are signs and symptoms for each stage
Warnings Before Psychosis
There are behavioral warning signs that a person may experience before their psychosis develops such as:
Trouble differentiating between fantasy and reality
Suspicion, paranoid thoughts, or discomfort around other people
Problems with logic and clarity of thought
Spending more time alone and withdrawing from social interactions
Ideas that are unusual or too intense, odd emotions, or no emotions at all
Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep and shorter sleep duration
Speech that is unclear or communication issues
A Decline in personal hygiene or self-care
Symptoms of a Psychotic Episode
First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) is the first time a person experiences a psychotic episode. This usually happens during the age of 15-25. A psychotic episode includes hallucinations and delusions, these two are the major symptoms. Others may include severe mood swings, anxiety, behaving inappropriately, and isolating themselves more.
DELUSIONS VS. HALLUCINATIONS
People often get confused with the meaning of delusions and hallucinations. They are two different symptoms of psychosis that have fundamental differences.
Sensory experiences known as hallucinations are not rooted in reality. A person with auditory hallucinations, for instance, might hear voices, sounds, or music that aren't actually there. While a person with visual hallucinations may see things that aren't actually there, such as people, animals, or objects. Each of the five senses, including taste, smell, and touch, might experience hallucinations.
On the other hand, delusions are fixed incorrect beliefs that are not grounded in reality and that cannot be altered by evidence. For instance, a person suffering from delusions can think they are being watched, spied on, or subjected to persecution when they are not.
CAUSES OF PSYCHOSIS
The exact cause of psychosis is not known, the triggers for it are also different for each individual case. Some factors that can cause or contribute to triggering psychosis include:
Genetics - If your family has a history of psychosis or mental disorders that links to psychosis, you have a chance to acquire it too. While genetics may contribute to the risk of developing psychosis, it is important to note that not everyone with a genetic predisposition will develop the disorder.
Substance Abuse - Too much consumption of certain drugs can trigger the occurrence of drug-induced psychosis. You may also experience psychosis when you are withdrawing from drug use. According to studies, these drugs may not so much create psychosis as they may expose it in those who already have it, such as those with schizophrenia disorders or a family history of the sickness.
Brain injuries and illnesses - Damage to the brain from trauma, infection, or other illnesses can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to altered perception, thinking, and behavior that can resemble psychotic symptoms. Other illnesses can also include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and HIV can all bring on psychosis
PTSD - Symptoms of PTSD may overlap with psychosis such as hallucinations. According to estimations, 50% of people with PTSD will also go through psychosis at some point in their lives. Those who have experienced abuse at home or in a hostile environment are more likely to experience psychotic symptoms.
Psychosis is a symptom of another health condition, not a diagnosis itself. A doctor will do a physical exam and gather a medical history to identify potential causes of psychosis. Inquiries about the symptoms' intensity and duration will also be made. They'll also be interested in learning about any additional symptoms you may be having.
TREATMENTS FOR PSYCHOSIS
According to studies, it's typical for someone to have psychotic symptoms for over a year before they receive treatment. Because early treatment frequently leads to better recovery, it is crucial to shorten this period of untreated psychosis. After meeting with a therapist, they will give the treatment plan that is appropriate to the patient.
Antipsychotic Medications
Psychosis is believed to be partly caused by the overactivity of a brain chemical called dopamine, and antipsychotics are thought to work by regulating the dopamine in our brains. Typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics are two classes of medications used to treat psychotic disorders.
Typical antipsychotics - also known as first-generation antipsychotics, are known to block dopamine. These medications are effective in treating positive symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, but they are less effective at treating negative symptoms, such as apathy and social withdrawal. They also have a higher risk of causing side effects, such as movement disorders. Examples of this type of medication are Haldol (haloperidol), Loxitane (loxapine), and Navane (thiothixene).
Atypical antipsychotics - also known as second-generation antipsychotics, block dopamine but can also affect serotonin levels. These medications are also effective in treating positive symptoms of psychosis, but they are more effective at treating negative symptoms and have a lower risk of causing movement disorders. They may also have additional benefits, such as improving mood and anxiety. Examples of this type are Abilify (aripiprazole), Clozaril (clozapine), and Fanapt (iloperidone).
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a form of treatment for mental health disorders that involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. The goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to improve their overall mental health and well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to mental health disorders. It often involves setting goals and working on specific skills to manage symptoms. Also, you'll learn strategies for preventing or controlling the signs of a psychotic break
Family Therapy - This type of therapy involves working with family members to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. This can help the loved ones of the person experiencing psychosis understand the condition and how they can support the healing process.
HOW TO CARE FOR SOMEONE WITH PSYCHOSIS
Experiencing psychosis is not easy, especially if you are dealing with it alone. It is always helpful to be surrounded by people who understand your situation and are there to help. There are several ways you can support and care for someone experiencing psychosis. Here are some examples:
Show Empathy
Showing someone that you understand them and what they are going through is essential to make them feel loved and cared for. You yourself must know that they are going through something difficult and that there are a lot of things that they cannot control. You can show empathy by being patient with them, listening actively, validating their feelings, and avoiding judgment.
Know how to speak in a way that they understand
When someone is going through a psychotic episode, their minds are not in the best state and they would have a hard time understanding what you are saying. It is important to learn how to speak simply and concisely so that one understand easily. You can also help them communicate what they are feeling properly.
Learn how to deal with psychotic episodes
Psychotic episodes may look different for each individual experience. Help them remove the negative and harmful thoughts that they have. Know the emergency hotline and call for assistance if the person is becoming more aggressive and may potentially hurt others. You can also look for ways that can help them calm down and ease their symptoms.
Final Thoughts
There are many other ways that you can show support to someone who is experiencing psychosis. Getting to know the individual will help you know how you can be better support for them. Dealing with psychosis is not easy for both the patient or the people around them. Both need to work together in order to create a safe environment where the two parties understand each other.
Help Hotlines
If you are someone who is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, or if you are mentally unstable at the moment and you need someone to talk to, help is always available and someone will always be there for you. Here are hotlines in California that you can dial to ask for help.
California Youth Crisis Line: (800) 843-5200
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
California Parent and Youth Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
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