What Is Spiritual Psychosis, And Is It An Official Diagnosis?
If you’ve ever had a spiritual crisis, you might know that it can be distressing. A bit like an existential crisis, a spiritual crisis can disrupt a person’s beliefs, sense of self, and understanding of the world. Some people may even notice symptoms similar to those associated with psychosis, such as changes in their mood, behavior, or perception.
While “spiritual psychosis” isn’t an official diagnosis, psychosis can sometimes involve religious delusions. However, psychosis typically differs from a spiritual crisis in that it disturbs people’s thought processes and social function. If you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate a spiritual crisis or psychosis, it can be important to seek professional guidance from a licensed mental health professional.
An overview of psychosis
Psychosis can be seen as an altered state of mind. During a period of psychosis, sometimes called a “psychotic episode,” a person usually becomes detached from reality to some degree. This can be distressing, and people experiencing it may not always be aware that something is wrong.
Psychosis tends to involve several different symptoms. The most common include the following:
Hallucinations
Hallucinations can be defined as experiences that seem real but aren’t. They can affect any of the five senses. For example, people experiencing psychosis might find themselves:
- Hearing voices, static, knocking, or banging
- Seeing figures, shapes, lights, or colors
- Tasting or smelling things that aren’t there
- Feeling sensations in their body with no clear cause
Delusions
A delusion typically refers to a belief that someone can’t be talked out of, no matter how illogical or impossible it is. Someone with a delusion may cling to it even when shown proof that it isn’t true or that there’s no such thing. Common delusions people may have during psychosis include those listed below:
- That they have supernatural powers
- That they are in a relationship with a celebrity
- That the radio or TV is sending them secret messages
- That their thoughts are being implanted in their mind
- That other people are trying to harm them
Changes in mood, thought, and behavior
Psychosis can also affect people’s thoughts and emotions. Although this may not be obvious to the person themselves, their friends and loved ones might start noticing changes in their behaviors and routines, such as:
- A loss of motivation to do daily tasks
- A loss of ability to feel pleasure
- Changes in speech, such as rambling, mixing up words, or drifting off-topic
- A loss of interest in socializing and relationships
- Unpredictable behavior
Psychosis can look different for different people. Although it’s often associated with mental illnesses like schizophrenia, it can also have many different causes. People may experience psychosis due to extreme stress, lack of sleep, head trauma, or other conditions.
What is spiritual psychosis, and is it an official term?
If you have strong religious or spiritual beliefs, these might play an important role in your life. When something happens to make you rethink or question those beliefs, this can be distressing. You might find yourself wondering about the meaning of life, the human condition, your purpose, or your values. You might also have questions about the nature of reality, a higher power, or what happens after death.
In the field of transpersonal psychology, which generally views human spirituality in the context of psychology, this is sometimes called having a “spiritual crisis” or a “spiritual emergency.”
Spiritual emergencies can have various causes:
- The death of a loved one
- A near-death experience
- A terminal illness
- Using mind-altering substances
- Deep meditation or other spiritual experiences
- Major life changes, like divorce or childbirth
Like psychosis, spiritual emergencies can look different for different people. However, they are often defined by intense changes in thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Some common symptoms include the following:
- Intense emotions or mood swings
- Changes in perception
- Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
- Anxiety about and obsession with existential ideas
- Changes in relationships
- Trouble managing daily responsibilities
The term “spiritual psychosis” is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). However, some of the symptoms of a spiritual crisis can seem similar to symptoms of psychosis. The reverse can also be true. For some people, psychosis might seem a lot like a spiritual awakening. Delusions can also have religious themes or cause changes in perception that might seem otherworldly or supernatural.
The causes of psychosis and spiritual emergencies can also overlap. Psychedelic substances can serve as one example. These substances may cause some people to experience a sense of “spiritual emergence.” However, these transcendent states can sometimes have psychotic features.
For others, psychedelic substances may even trigger psychosis.
Differentiating a spiritual experience from a psychotic episode
Given their similarities, it may not always be easy to distinguish a spiritual crisis from a psychotic episode. However, research has uncovered a few clues that may make them easier to tell apart.
In a 2020 study, researchers looked at 106 people who were seeking help for mental health symptoms. They used a tool called the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS) to evaluate whether the patients’ symptoms met the criteria for psychosis. They found that there were usually similarities between spiritual crises and psychosis, like symptoms of depression and anxiety.
That said, a few symptoms were only present in psychosis, such as disturbances in thinking and social function.
Even though there may be ways to tell them apart, distinguishing between a spiritual experience and psychosis often requires an expert opinion. Only licensed mental health professionals can officially diagnose or rule out a mental illness. That’s why, if you have concerns about your experiences, you might want to talk to your doctor. They may be able to get more insight into your symptoms and, if needed, recommend further treatment.
As we’ve discussed, spiritual crises and psychosis can both involve symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, these symptoms can often be treated. Talk therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, and severe mental illness. This form of therapy may support your well-being by helping you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns around your experiences.
Opening up about spiritual or psychotic experiences often requires having a therapist you trust, but finding the right one may take some trial and error. Online therapy might make it easier to find the right fit. Platforms like BetterHelp let you change therapists at any time for no additional cost.
Research has found that internet-based therapy can be helpful for people experiencing anxiety and depression. In 2016, 704 patients with depression and anxiety received either online CBT, online CBT with online group support, or standard primary care. Patients in both online therapy groups typically saw significant improvements in their symptoms.
Takeaway
Both spiritual crises and psychotic symptoms can often be managed with proper treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, consider reaching out to a mental health professional in person or online.
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