Psychosis Spectrum Test: What To Know About Testing For Psychosis

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC and Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated November 20, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Psychosis is often, though not always, a sign of mental illness. It can involve a wide range of symptoms, from hallucinations to delusions, behavior changes, and more. Because of its diverse causes and effects, some experts describe psychosis as a spectrum. Psychosis and the mental illnesses with which it can be associated must be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. Although many professionals use a variety of tests and assessments to evaluate a person’s symptoms and experiences, there’s no universal psychosis spectrum test. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it can be important to reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional.

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What is psychosis, and is it a mental health disorder?

In general, psychosis isn’t a disorder in and of itself. It’s an experience that can happen either on its own or as a symptom of another condition. When you’re in a state of psychosis, this typically means you’ve become disconnected from reality to some degree. Your behaviors, experiences, and ways of thinking may change. You might also develop unusual or impossible beliefs. While these changes might not be noticeable to you, they may be noticeable to others. 

There are several symptoms that can arise during a psychotic episode. Let’s take a look at some of the most common. 

Delusions

Delusions can be seen as false beliefs that a person holds onto even when they have proof that they aren’t true. People often become so attached to their delusions that they can’t be talked out of them with logic or facts. Some examples of common delusions include the following:

  • Believing that you are a religious figure
  • Believing that people are out to get you
  • Believing that a celebrity is in love with you
  • Believing that others can read your mind
  • Believing that your thoughts are being controlled

Hallucinations

When you’re hallucinating, it generally means you’re experiencing something that isn’t actually happening. Psychosis often causes people to hear things that aren’t there. However, hallucinations can affect any of the five senses. Types of hallucinations include those listed below:

  • Visual (seeing things that aren’t there)
  • Auditory (hearing things that aren’t there)
  • Gustatory (tasting things that aren’t there)
  • Olfactory (smelling things that aren’t there)
  • Tactile (feeling things that aren’t there)

Changes in thinking and speaking

Psychosis can also affect how people think. This often comes across in how they speak. People experiencing psychosis may have trouble focusing or thinking clearly. They may also:

  • Make up new words
  • Drift off-topic
  • Repeat themselves frequently
  • Echo what other people say or do
  • Speak in a flat tone of voice
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Psychotic episodes can involve other symptoms, too. People experiencing psychosis may withdraw from friends and family, stop going out, or stop taking care of themselves. They may also act unpredictably, although the majority of people with psychosis are not violent

Understanding the psychosis spectrum

Psychosis can happen for various reasons. Often, it accompanies an underlying mental illness, although this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, people may experience psychosis due to a medical condition, extreme stress, or substance use. Common causes of psychotic symptoms include the following:

Borderline personality disorder, dementia, and other common causes of psychotic symptoms

  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizotypal personality disorder
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Bipolar disorder with psychotic features
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Depression with psychotic features
  • Alcohol or substance use
  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Head trauma
  • Epilepsy

Although psychosis is often lumped together with conditions like schizophrenia, its causes can be far more diverse and complex. 

Individual psychotic experiences can look different for different people. For example, some people may experience more delusions, while others might experience more hallucinations. Some people may be more likely to have unusual beliefs or “magical thinking,” while others might be more likely to become paranoid.

The psychosis spectrum includes various psychotic disorders

For this reason, some experts have started using a new term to describe these experiences: the psychosis spectrum. The psychosis spectrum encompasses the broad range of psychotic disorders that can affect people. It may also account for the differences in how psychosis can look for different people. 

Is there a psychosis spectrum test?

With all this in mind, you may be wondering whether there’s a test you can take to diagnose psychosis spectrum symptoms. The answer can be complicated. 

It can be common for people experiencing psychosis to lack insight into their condition. This means that often, they don’t have an accurate view of their thought patterns or experiences. As a result, they may not think to take a self-assessment for psychosis, and if they do, it might not provide accurate results.

No universal test

Furthermore, there’s no universal test to definitively diagnose psychosis. Often, a doctor will diagnose it based on a person’s symptoms, experiences, and medical history. They might take note of the patient’s body language, behavior, and ways of speaking to see if they meet the diagnostic criteria for psychosis. They may also ask the person questions about:

  • Their emotions and moods
  • Their beliefs
  • Unusual experiences they might be having
  • Their daily routines and activities
  • Their use of alcohol, substances, and medications
  • Their family mental health history

A psychosis spectrum test may help doctors identify psychosis

This doesn’t necessarily mean that psychosis tests are useless, either. Screening tools may help doctors identify psychosis in clinical settings. In a 2024 study, researchers analyzed data on 145 patients seeking mental health support at eight different clinics. The patients completed questionnaires about their symptoms at their first appointment. Researchers found that the questionnaires were fairly accurate at diagnosing psychosis symptoms

Self-screening tools may also identify people who are at a high or ultra-high risk of psychosis, even if they haven’t developed symptoms yet. In a study from 2022, 510 college students who went to their school’s counseling center were given a psychosis risk screening test. Those who tested positive were offered a follow-up evaluation. Over half of those who completed both tests were found to be at risk of psychosis or already in the early stages

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What to do if you have concerns about psychosis symptoms

Although self-assessments may be a helpful tool in some settings, only a qualified mental health professional can officially diagnose psychosis. If you have concerns about your symptoms or experiences, you may want to consult your healthcare provider. They may be able to get a more accurate picture of your symptoms. If necessary, they may also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. 

Psychosis is often treatable

While psychosis can be distressing, it is often treatable. According to the Yale School of Medicine, 25% of people who have a psychotic episode will never have another one. With proper treatment, even those who have multiple episodes may reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

Medication and therapy to support overall mental health

Treating psychosis often involves a combination of medication and professional guidance. Alongside other treatments, your doctor may recommend seeing a therapist to help you learn to manage your symptoms. Therapy may also be useful for maintaining healthy relationships and supporting your overall mental health. 

Managing psychosis often involves ongoing support, but finding a counselor you trust can sometimes take a few tries. With online therapy, you can change therapists at any time for no additional charge. This may make it easier to find a therapist you’ll enjoy working with long-term. 

Effectiveness of online therapy for people experiencing symptoms of psychosis

Studies have found that online therapy may benefit people who experience psychosis, although it may not be an appropriate form of treatment during an active episode. In a 2023 study published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin, 86 young adults recovering from their first episode of psychosis received an internet-based therapy program. Online therapy typically led to improvements in their social function

Takeaway

Psychosis can be thought of as a state of detachment from reality. It can involve changes in people’s thoughts, speech, experiences, and beliefs. These effects can look different for different people. For this reason, some experts have started using the term “the psychosis spectrum” to describe psychosis and related mental illnesses. Some research has found that psychosis spectrum tests may help doctors identify patients who have psychosis or are at risk of developing it. However, only a licensed professional can officially diagnose or rule it out. If you have concerns about psychosis, you may want to talk to a mental health expert online or in person.
Are you living with symptoms of psychosis?
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