Exploring Psychosis In Early Adulthood

Many people may not understand psychotic disorders or how they can affect people in early adulthood differently than mature adults. When a child or juvenile adult reports hearing voices or seeing things others don’t see, many people may be deeply concerned for their mental health and want to help. Read on to learn more about how psychosis can affect early adulthood, common symptoms, treatment options, and skills to learn in online therapy—as a patient or caregiver—to manage symptoms, emotions, and stressors.  

What is psychosis?

According to researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, psychosis is a medical term describing a group of symptoms that occur when someone experiences trouble differentiating between what is and isn’t real. Psychosis refers to symptoms associated with various physical (e.g., malaria), neurodegenerative (e.g., Alzheimer’s), and mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) and may be treated with psychotherapy and antipsychotic medication. Psychotic symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things others don’t see can indicate psychosis and are a cause for immediate intervention. Young people are at a higher risk of first developing psychotic symptoms than other age groups. 

Types of psychotic disorders

For an individual experiencing an early psychotic episode, a mental illness is often at the root of their symptoms.  Many people use the term psychosis to reference symptoms related to mental health conditions grouped as psychotic disorders. This category is considered home to severe forms of mental illness, as the disconnection from reality can cause severe symptoms that disrupt daily life and functional ability. The types of psychotic disorders are outlined in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). 

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most well-known psychotic disorders, though that distinction also comes with many misconceptions. Reality disconnection, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior characterize this condition. 

Schizoaffective disorder

People living with schizoaffective disorder experience symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, like bipolar disorder, which can affect their behavior, emotions, interpersonal relationships, and more. 

Delusional disorder

Someone with a delusional disorder has trouble telling the difference between the real and imagined, though not necessarily hallucinations. Delusional disorders can be persecutory, jealous, or grandiose. 

Brief psychotic disorder

Brief psychotic disorder involves a rapid-onset, short-term period of psychotic behavior, typically in response to an intensely stressful event. Recovery usually occurs within a month. 

Shared psychotic disorder

With a shared psychotic disorder, people who have a close relationship may adopt a delusion that their loved one or partner experiences. 

Postpartum psychosis

While rare, postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health emergency requiring immediate treatment occurring in a person after giving birth. Someone with this condition has a dramatically higher risk of harming themselves or their children. 

Substance or medication-induced psychotic disorder

Psychosis may be provoked by substance use. In some cases, people who misuse substances like cannabis, hallucinogens, or stimulants may be at a higher risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis, especially if they have other risk factors. In addition, prescription drugs like anticonvulsants and steroids may contribute to psychosis. 

Psychosis due to a medical condition, like brain tumors or encephalitis

Some people with a medical illness may also experience psychosis. Hormone conditions like Addison’s disease, neurological problems like meningitis, and physical problems like head trauma may cause symptoms that mimic psychosis.

What do psychotic symptoms look like in early adulthood? 

Psychologists say children and adolescents can experience psychosis associated with numerous psychiatric conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, post-traumatic states, autism spectrum disorders, and others. In contrast, the same symptoms in an adult may primarily indicate schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. Below are some possible symptoms of psychosis in early adulthood: 

• Hallucinations, including seeing or hearing things

• Delusions or paranoia

• Disordered or confused thoughts

• Disorganized speech

• Catatonic or grossly disorganized behavior

• Adverse symptoms varying by psychotic disorder

• Disconnection from reality

• Social isolation

• Changes to eating or sleep patterns

• Extreme trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

• Frustration and anger

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

• Weight gain or loss

• Vocalizing extremely unusual beliefs that may not make sense 

Early psychosis and effects on mental health in young people

Psychosis is rare in children. However, in many cases, the early stages of psychosis develop in the late teenage years through early adulthood. Some people may be at a high risk of psychosis or related mental health conditions if they have a relative with a psychiatric disorder. Therefore, it can help to research your family history of mental health conditions if you have concerns. 

Like many other medical and mental health conditions, psychosis can affect young people differently. The early signs of psychosis are often referred to as prodromal psychotic symptoms. Children, adolescents, and young adults may show behavioral shifts like losing interest in seeing friends, worrying that people want to hurt them, no longer caring for personal hygiene or appearance, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. However, these prodromal symptoms may not always progress into a psychotic illness. 

The role of brain development in early psychosis is often an important factor. As young people grow, the changes in their brain structure and function can influence the onset of serious mental illness. Monitoring mental health closely is key during these formative years to provide early psychosis treatment and reduce the potential long-term effects of the condition.

The earlier a psychotic disorder is diagnosed, the higher the chance the individual can get the right treatment. Individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders can be treated with antipsychotics or other medications in addition to therapy. If a person loses touch with reality, early treatment from mental healthcare providers can ensure the individual gets the necessary support. 

What help is available for psychosis in early adulthood?

Suppose you’ve noticed early warning signs of early psychosis in yourself or a loved one. In that case, it can help to know what to expect when seeking treatment for psychotic disorders and other mental health conditions. After experiencing early psychosis symptoms, you may want to contact your physician, therapist, or other mental healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for evaluation so you can express your worries. An early diagnosis could mean the difference between improved and worsening quality of mental health. 

Expect your provider to ask questions about your medical, psychiatric, and family history to help identify potential causes of psychosis, like physical illnesses or other mental health conditions. Your therapist will narrow down the possible mental health issues by asking questions about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, conducting brain imaging tests, and completing questionnaires to determine how you would act in a given situation. 

Your mental healthcare provider will make a diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, including establishing a crisis plan in the event of a psychotic episode. There are several suggestions for mental health services that they might offer:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Alternative psychotherapy approaches

• Antipsychotic medication(s)

• Inpatient treatment

• Support programs with work, social, and family themes

A primary care provider, dietitian, and mental health provider, among other health professionals, may recommend coordinated specialty care to treat psychosis. In addition, certain lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms. Examples could include avoiding drugs and alcohol (or other triggers); practicing daily self-care routines; as well as getting sufficient sleep, exercise, and nutrition. 

How online therapy can help manage mental illness

Psychotic disorders can create substantial disturbances in your life or the life of someone you love. Consider working with a licensed therapist online through a virtual teletherapy platform like BetterHelp for the support and guidance of a mental health professional to help navigate the complex landscape of psychosis. 

Therapy can help you learn to identify the triggers of psychotic episodes, develop an array of practical coping skills to manage symptoms and stressors, and research-backed psychological techniques to help you learn to minimize the impact of psychosis. 

Parents or guardians concerned with emerging psychosis symptoms in their children or loved ones can contact TeenCounseling to speak with licensed therapists specializing in teletherapy for kids from 12 to 19. 

Talk therapy is effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for psychotic disorders, leaving many people to wonder about the various treatment methods. Recent psychological studies indicate that online cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for psychosis can effectively reduce symptoms in many patients. Teletherapy platforms offer unique advantages, such as more cost-effective treatment pricing, shorter wait times, and an extensive network of licensed providers.