Psychosis Hospitalization: A Guide For Families And Loved Ones

When someone you love experiences psychosis, a sense of disorientation can take over. What you know, or thought you knew, about this person and about reality itself can suddenly change. 

Psychosis can be a marked break from reality and normality. Sometimes, you might witness the struggle to form a coherent thought or sentence. Other times, your loved one might see, hear, or believe things that defy logic. Their thoughts might seem muddled and nonsensical. When this disruption becomes dangerous for the person experiencing it, hospitalization may be the best solution to provide dedicated care and support.

If someone you love is facing psychosis, this article is your guide. Here, you'll find information about psychosis, hospitalization, and how to navigate this situation with compassion and strength. Turning to a licensed therapist may be an effective way for you to work through your thoughts and emotions during this difficult time.

Understanding psychosis and its causes

Psychosis or a psychotic episode can describe a set of intense symptoms that can cause someone to temporarily lose their usual connection to reality. There are many reasons why psychosis might occur:

• Mental health conditions: Disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, brief psychotic disorder, and schizoaffective disorder can involve psychotic symptoms. Major depressive disorder with psychotic features is sometimes referred to as psychotic depression.
• Substance misuse: Substances and alcohol may sometimes cause episodes of psychosis in susceptible individuals.
• Medical conditions: Brain injuries, conditions like dementia, and some types of infections may induce psychosis.
• Severe stress or trauma: In some cases, overwhelming emotional experiences can lead to psychotic symptoms.

Learning about the signs of psychosis may allow you to get your loved one the support they deserve sooner. Psychosis tends to affect people differently, and some may have intense symptoms, while others may experience milder variations.

Here are some signs that might indicate a psychotic episode:

• Hallucinations: These typically involve perceiving things that aren't real, like seeing objects or people that aren't there, hearing voices, or experiencing strange sensations on the skin.
• Delusions: These can be seen as unshakeable, false beliefs that don't match reality, such as believing you're being spied on or thinking you possess special powers.
• Disorganized thinking and speech: Thoughts may become muddled and difficult to communicate clearly. Speech patterns might become disjointed or difficult to follow.
• Other possible symptoms: These can include changes in mood, problems with sleep, withdrawal from social interaction, and difficulty taking care of basic needs.

In general, there are two main categories of psychosis symptoms. "Positive" symptoms can be described as new, abnormal experiences that weren't there before, like hallucinations or delusions. "Negative" symptoms usually involve losing something — motivation, emotional expression, or the ability to interact normally with others, for instance. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) classifies psychotic disorders by their specific symptoms, their frequency and duration, and the level of impairment they cause. No two experiences of psychosis are identical. That said, understanding these signs can give professionals the insight necessary to offer a diagnosis and provide the right kind of care for their specific needs.

If symptoms become so severe that they prevent your loved one from taking care of themselves, or if you're worried about their safety, psychiatric hospitalization can be a way to keep them safe until they get the help they deserve. This type of intervention typically allows for a professional evaluation using established guidelines to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Hospitalization in an inpatient unit normally offers round-the-clock care and support for hospitalized patients living with mental disorders.

Learning about psychosis can be a way to show your loved one you care. Mental health professionals, specialized websites, and educational materials can all be useful informational resources. Advocating for your loved one is often easier when you're informed. Understanding psychosis, treatment options, and your loved one’s rights may help you make informed decisions about their path forward.

What to expect during psychosis hospitalization

In a hospital setting, a treatment team generally coordinates care designed to support your loved one during their psychotic episode. This team might include doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers. 

Here's what you can expect:

• Evaluation: Doctors may carefully assess your loved one's medical and psychiatric history. Tests like bloodwork or brain scans might be ordered to rule out any medical problems that could be causing their symptoms.
• Treatment: Treatment typically involves medication to stabilize the psychotic symptoms. Often, antipsychotics are prescribed. In addition, therapy (individual or group) can help patients understand their illness, develop healthy coping skills, and learn how to prevent future episodes, where possible.
• Family involvement: Hospitals generally encourage family members to be part of the treatment process. They might ask you for information about your loved one's past experiences or invite you to participate in family therapy sessions.
• Discharge planning: Once symptoms improve, the treatment team may work with the patient and their family to create a plan for leaving the hospital. This could involve follow-up appointments, ongoing therapy, medication management, and support groups.

How you can support your loved one

Seeing a loved one in the grip of a psychotic episode can be difficult. Your support can play a role in their recovery. Here are some ways you can help:

• Learning all you can: Understanding psychosis and any specific diagnosis your loved one receives may allow you to view their experience with more compassion and offer the right kind of support.
• Being a source of calm: Patience, understanding, and acceptance can all help your loved one feel more comfortable and supported. Letting your loved one know you're there for them and that you care can make a difference.
• Helping with communication: Sometimes, psychosis makes it hard to express oneself clearly. You might help your loved one communicate with the treatment team if needed.
• Encouraging their treatment plan: Your support can also involve advocating for your loved one's treatment. Encouraging your loved one to take their medication as prescribed and go to therapy can make a difference in their recovery journey.

Taking care of yourself

Caring for someone with psychosis can be mentally and physically demanding. You might put your own needs on hold, but your well-being deserves attention, too. Here are some practical ways to stay strong throughout this experience:

• Seeking support for yourself: You can join support groups, talk to a therapist, or simply confide in other loved ones who have cared for someone with psychosis. Sharing your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation.
• Practicing self-care: Getting enough sleep, prioritizing nourishing meals, and finding activities that relax you can improve your well-being. Taking breaks to care for yourself can give you the energy you need to support your loved one.
• Setting boundaries: It's okay to say "no" sometimes and to ask for help when you need it. You can offer the best support within your own emotional and physical capacity.
• Utilizing resources: You aren't alone. Organizations and online platforms offer materials, support groups, and community services specifically for families of those with mental health challenges.

Loving someone with psychosis can seem overwhelming. Try to remember that you deserve to be well, too. Taking care of yourself isn't just practical; it can be a way to show up for your loved one as their best support. 

Navigating challenges

Supporting someone through a psychotic episode and the hospitalization process can be difficult. Being prepared for some possible challenges can be helpful.

• Stigma: Mental illness often carries a stigma. You and your loved one might encounter ignorance or judgment from others. Learning about mental health advocacy and how to fight stigma may help you become an ally for people with mental health conditions.
• Treatment resistance: Sometimes, people experiencing psychosis might not want to be treated or may not see the need for medication. Working closely with the treatment team to find compassionate ways of navigating these situations can be beneficial.
• Concerns about informed consent: Hospitalization is sometimes involuntary if a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others. Knowing the legalities around hospitalization and your loved one's rights may give you the tools to be their advocate.

The road ahead might hold challenges like stigma, treatment resistance, or legal concerns about hospitalization, but being prepared can help. With the right support, your loved one can get the care they deserve and begin their journey toward recovery. 

Managing psychosis often requires ongoing support, and online therapy can offer a reliable and convenient solution, although it’s generally best used during the recovery phase rather than the acute phase of psychosis. Finding the right therapist can be key, and online options frequently make the search easier. The potential for more affordable care can also make it more feasible to stick with a therapy plan. Online therapy may also be a helpful option for loved ones of those with psychosis.

Studies generally show promising results for the effectiveness of online therapy in treating mental health conditions like psychosis. With results comparable to in-person care, online therapy can offer additional benefits, like expanded access and reduced healthcare costs. While more research may be necessary, online therapy could be a helpful tool for those living with psychosis.

Recovery from psychosis usually takes time, but it’s possible. The right treatment, your loving support, and your loved one's determination can make all the difference. Recovery tends to be an ongoing process — there may be good days and difficult ones. Being patient, staying kind, and believing in your loved one can help them stay on track.

Seeing a loved one experience psychosis can be challenging

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