How Long Does Psychosis Last: Impact On Mental Health
While some may say each person has their own subjective reality, a firm understanding of objective reality can improve mental health, productivity, and daily functioning. In some cases, a person may have a flimsy grasp on reality and experience certain phenomena that others aren’t experiencing. People living with these symptoms might be experiencing “psychosis,” a clinical mental health term.
Psychosis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment options for mental health
Psychosis is a serious mental health term that describes symptoms associated with a disconnect from reality. There are various types of psychosis, all exacerbated by certain experiences or mental health conditions. If you think you or someone you love may have experienced a psychotic episode, exploring the nature of psychotic disorders, the causes of psychosis, the duration, and potential methods for treating and managing symptoms may be helpful.
What is a psychotic disorder?
Psychosis refers to an episode involving a cluster of symptoms or experiences, most frequently caused by a psychotic disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists several psychotic disorders, all connected by a “loss of contact with reality.”
Signs and symptoms of psychosis
Some warning signs that an individual might be experiencing psychosis because of a psychotic disorder may include:
- Disorganized speech that is difficult for others to follow
- Withdrawal from social activity
- Limited emotional response, also referred to as “flat affect”
- Poor motivation and poor focus
- Increased paranoia
- Sudden hostility and suspiciousness of others
- Unusual behaviors and thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
If you suspect you are experiencing psychosis or might have a psychotic disorder, seek help from a licensed professional.
What causes a psychotic episode? Is it the same for people with bipolar disorder?
There are various causes of psychosis. While some are directly related to psychotic disorders like schizophrenia spectrum disorders or bipolar disorder, there are other types of psychosis as well, such as drug-induced psychosis or psychosis caused by medical ailments like a brain tumor or stroke. In bipolar disorder, psychosis is often linked to extreme mood states, such as mania or depression.
Causes of psychosis
- Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia spectrum disorders, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal disorder, and schizophreniform disorder
- Bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
- Induced psychosis from medication or drug and alcohol misuse
- Medical conditions like Alzheimer’s
- An overactive or inactive thyroid
- Lupus
- Postpartum psychosis (related to postpartum depression)
- Stroke
- Vitamin deficiencies
- High stress and anxiety
- Past or present trauma
- Severe head injuries
Get help for substance use: Contact SAMHSA helpline
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
How long does psychosis last?
Due to the wide range of underlying factors that may cause psychosis, no concrete level of severity can be established. For example, those with a vitamin deficiency might find their psychosis dissipates easily, while those with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia might find their psychosis symptoms more difficult to manage.
Duration of psychotic episode: How long does psychosis last?
For the above reasons, determining the duration of acute psychosis in any given individual can be difficult. Some forms of psychosis can be managed by ceasing the activity that caused the psychosis in the first place, such as getting adequate sleep and nutrition or ceasing the misuse of recreational drugs and alcohol.
Some people may experience a psychotic episode that lasts a few days, a few weeks, or more extended periods, depending on the severity of the underlying causes. Brief psychotic disorder lasts less time than psychosis connected to other conditions. However, each person experiences psychosis differently, and an acute phase may become prolonged.
Treatment effectiveness
Psychotic disorders and psychosis often manifest in individuals for as long as a year before treatment is sought. Seeking treatment early can help you receive support right away and may allow you to feel relief from your symptoms sooner. if you suspect you are experiencing delusions or a disconnect with reality, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional.
Pharmacotherapy for long-term psychosis and bipolar disorder
Certain types of psychosis, such as psychosis caused by long-term mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, might benefit from pharmacotherapeutic methods like antipsychotic medication, as well as medications to manage coinciding symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Coordinated specialty care for people with psychotic disorders
Particular research has been done on coordinated specialty care for mental health issues like psychotic disorders. This support might include a combination of individual or group psychotherapy, case management for certain cases of psychosis, and medication management. Licensed medical and mental health professionals apply various methods simultaneously to support those experiencing psychosis in managing their symptoms and living healthy and productive lives.
Important Disclaimer
Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis.
Alternative psychosis support options
Psychosis and the mental illnesses that often cause this condition can be challenging to manage. In some cases, symptoms of a mental health disorder may lead to barriers that make it difficult to leave home for therapy appointments. If you relate, online therapy may be a beneficial and more convenient option.
Choosing the right online therapy platform for mental health
Through a platform like BetterHelp, clients can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions and attend therapy from home. These platforms also offer tools like worksheets and support groups that might not be available otherwise.
Online therapy for symptoms of psychosis
While online therapy might not directly address some of the major cases of psychosis, like those seen in long-term schizophrenia, research has shown that online CBT can be effective at treating some of the coexisting symptoms of these conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Takeaway
Due to the wide range of causes and symptoms associated with psychosis and a relative inability to ascertain the duration of a psychotic episode, seeking medical support from a licensed professional when you first notice symptoms can be beneficial.
Through methods like coordinated specialty care, medication, and therapy, the symptoms of psychosis can often be effectively managed. Consider reaching out to a professional online or in your area to learn more about your options.
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