What Triggers Psychosis? A Guide For Prevention And Awareness
Psychosis can make the world seem like a strange and unfamiliar place. During a psychotic episode, what you think, see, and feel can become warped. You might see things others don't, believe things that defy logic, or find your mind racing in ways that seem to make no sense.
These disruptions can be frightening and often make daily life more difficult. We may not have all the answers about why psychosis happens, but scientists have uncovered clues about what might put someone at higher risk, including genetic factors, substance use, high stress levels, and certain medical conditions. In many cases, psychosis can be effectively managed with doctor-prescribed medication and regular therapy sessions.
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental state involving a disconnect from reality that can deeply impact the way a person experiences the world. Psychosis is often associated with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, but it can also occur due to other medical conditions.
What triggers psychosis and its symptoms?
While the exact reasons why people develop psychosis currently remain unknown, we understand a lot about common symptoms of this mental state. Here are some of the symptoms a person might experience during a psychotic episode:
- Hallucinations may occur when a person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels things that have no basis in reality. Voices whispering when no one's there, shadows lurking in the corner of your eye, or unsettling sensations on your skin can all be examples of hallucinations.
- Delusions generally refer to unshakeable beliefs that go against all logic and what others see as reality. Someone experiencing a delusion might be convinced that they're being watched, that they have special powers, or that others are trying to harm them.
- Disorganized thinking often involves jumbled, disconnected thoughts, which can make it difficult to follow conversations, express ideas clearly, and track your own train of thought.
Psychosis can also involve other symptoms, such as drastic changes in mood, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawal from friends and activities. However, one person's experience with psychotic episodes might be very different from that of another person. Some people might have one isolated incident, while for others, psychosis can be a recurring challenge.
What triggers psychosis? What increases vulnerability to psychosis?
Have you ever wondered what might make a person more likely to experience psychosis? While the exact causes tend to be complex, let's explore some factors that scientists believe play a part.
Family connections with psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
Having a close family member with certain disorders, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, might make a person slightly more likely to experience psychosis. However, genetics are not the only contributing factor to psychosis, and many people with a family history of psychotic disorders may never experience a psychotic episode.
Impact of substances
Certain substances, especially stimulants and cannabis, can put someone at greater risk of experiencing psychosis. Substance use can be especially risky during the teenage and young adult years because the brain is still developing. If someone's already prone to psychosis, substance use may act as a trigger for an episode.
Major life stressors that affect mental health
Sometimes, intense stress can be a contributing factor to psychosis. Events like losing a loved one or undergoing a significant life change can shift brain chemistry enough to bring on psychotic symptoms in those who have a genetic predisposition to them.
Underlying medical factors that cause psychosis
In rare cases, medical conditions like brain tumors or autoimmune diseases can produce symptoms resembling those of psychosis. Seeing a doctor to rule out any underlying physical causes can help you receive an accurate diagnosis.
Sleep deprivation that worsens symptoms of psychosis
Sleep problems and psychosis usually have a complex relationship. For those prone to psychosis, sleep deprivation or disrupted sleep patterns may worsen symptoms. In general, sleep is an opportunity for your brain to reset and recharge. When you're not sleeping well, hallucinations, delusions, and racing thoughts can intensify. To make matters worse, psychosis itself can result in sleep difficulties, potentially contributing to a vicious cycle that can be hard to overcome.
Practicing self-care for better mental health
Taking care of yourself, including getting good sleep, is often part of managing psychosis. Having a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol before bed, and winding down with a relaxing routine can be tools for better mental health. If you're still experiencing issues with sleep, there could be an underlying sleep disorder that needs to be treated.
Overall, your genes, life experiences, and even the substances you use may influence your vulnerability to psychosis. While we can't necessarily control everything, managing your risk factors where possible may reduce your likelihood of developing psychosis.
Recognizing the early signs and possibilities for prevention
- A tendency to withdraw from social life
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Behavior changes that seem odd or cause suspicion
- Fluctuations in mood or an unusual sleep pattern
- Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings clearly
If you spot any of these warning signs, it may be time to take action. Clinical studies show early intervention for psychosis can improve treatment outcomes and potentially prevent the development of a psychotic disorder.
Myths and misconceptions about psychosis
Harmful stereotypes about psychosis can be common. Movies and TV often sensationalize the condition, focusing on violence and extreme behavior. These types of portrayals, which are often exaggerated or falsified, can fuel fear and contribute to stigma, potentially making it harder for those with psychosis to seek help and overcome isolation. For example, one common myth about psychosis is that it causes violent behavior. However, research tells us that most people with psychosis never exhibit violent behavior.
Psychosis doesn't have to define a person's life. Treatment and support can help people regain stability and find joy and fulfillment. Spreading the truth about psychosis, rather than fear and misconceptions, may be a way to create a more understanding and supportive world.
Psychosis treatment options
Psychosis can be effectively treated. The most common approach usually combines medication and therapy. A doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medication to lessen the intensity of psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. Therapy can also offer support by providing tools for managing stress, developing coping skills, and improving overall well-being.
With the right treatment and support, many who experience psychosis can lead full and active lives. Here are some things people can do to help manage their condition:
- Adhere to the medication plan prescribed by their doctor or psychiatrist
- Keep up with regular therapy appointments
- Prioritize a healthy lifestyle, including sleeping well, exercising, and eating nutritious foods
- Discontinue substance use
- Lean on a strong network of friends and family for support
Psychosis can be a complex mental state. The lack of a clear cause and cure can be frustrating. However, there are treatment options that can help people manage their symptoms and make life both manageable and enjoyable. If you have concerns about psychosis, either for yourself or someone close to you, a professional evaluation can provide answers. A mental health professional may determine the best course of action for treating psychosis.
The sooner a person gets treatment for psychosis, the better their outlook tends to be. Early intervention can lead to fuller recovery and potential prevention of severe episodes. While it can be scary to reach out for help, seeking treatment can be a sign of strength and a step toward wellness.
Managing the challenges of psychosis
Coping strategies and self-regulation techniques may help people experiencing psychosis manage their symptoms. Some coping strategies that may help people with psychosis include:
Being informed
Learning as much as you can about psychosis can offer clarity about your condition and available treatment options.
Building a support system
Understanding, supportive people can be there for you when you face challenges.
Connecting with others
Joining a support group can build community with others walking a similar path.
Prioritizing stress reduction
Stress may worsen existing psychosis symptoms. Learning how to recognize stress and how to manage stress is important for people who experience psychosis. Examples of relaxation techniques include active activities, like walking and dancing, and mental activities, like meditation and breath work.
Online therapy for managing symptoms of psychosis
People living with psychosis often find it difficult to trust others when they first meet them. Experiencing mistrust may make it difficult for people experiencing psychosis to attend in-person therapy sessions and engage with their therapist. With online therapy, you can attend therapy sessions from your home, where you may feel the most comfortable.
Studies suggest that online therapy for psychosis can achieve results on par with in-person therapy. Research notes that the added benefits of convenience and affordability can make it easier to maintain consistent treatment, which may improve clinical outcomes.
Living with psychosis can take courage. By educating yourself, seeking support, and prioritizing stress management, you may build resilience and take steps toward better days. No matter how hard things may seem, you're not alone. With the right support and treatment, symptoms of psychosis can be managed effectively.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What is the root cause of psychosis?
The underlying cause of a given episode of psychosis can vary. Sometimes, underlying conditions like neurological disorders like dementia, primarily physical illnesses or an event like a brain injury can induce symptoms. Several psychological causes of psychosis include:
- Postpartum psychosis, which occurs during the weeks after giving birth; it is potentially more abrupt and severe in comparison to other psychotic disorders
- Severe depression can cause psychosis—psychotic depression is typically characterized by symptoms that reflect low mood, like paranoia or disparaging voices in one’s head as opposed to symptoms like grandiose delusions
- Schizophrenia, which typically presents in early adulthood
- Bipolar disorder—in particular, manic episodes are more likely to involve psychosis
While conditions like anxiety disorders aren’t typically considered to cause psychotic symptoms themselves, their presence can predispose someone to developing a psychotic disorder.
Sometimes, clinicians diagnose someone as having brief psychotic disorder—however, it’s typically a precursor to later diagnosis.
How long does psychosis last in bipolar disorder?
Up to half of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience at least one episode of psychosis during their lifetime. Psychosis can occur during manic, mixed, or depressive phases of bipolar disorder, but is most commonly symptomatic of mania. It usually takes just days to weeks to return to a lucid state, but it can take weeks to months for a person’s ability to function independently to return.
What can be mistaken for psychosis?
Sometimes, psychosis symptoms that seem like they’re caused by psychiatric conditions are actually caused by a physical condition or other factor, including:
- Certain neurological conditions, such as Wernicke’s encephalopathy or some forms of dementia
- Substance use (substances can induce these symptoms on their own or trigger a mental health condition the person was already predisposed to)
- Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins like thiamine
- Infections like meningitis
- Side effects of some prescription medications, including antiretrovirals and antiepileptic medicines—the most common psychotic side effects of medications are auditory hallucinations (hearing voices or sounds that aren’t there) and persecutory delusions (false beliefs that one or more people are after you).
How do you calm psychosis?
Psychosis is typically treated with medications, primarily antipsychotic medicines. Severe cases can require coordinated specialty care or a visit to the emergency room. Certain communication strategies can also reduce the distress of the person experiencing psychosis, such as:
- Avoiding making threats, raising one’s voice, or react negatively (e.g., with dismissal) to someone’s symptoms
- Speaking in brief sentences and in a nonthreatening way
- Remaining outwardly calm oneself
Most episodes of psychosis don’t involve violence, but there are still times when involving emergency services or healthcare professionals is necessary—for instance, when there is an imminent risk of self-harm or the person’s agitation can’t be assuaged. In such a case, continue to de-escalate (if safe), make sure emergency services are informed of the person’s condition, and take note of the specifics of the person’s symptoms.
What are two physical symptoms of psychosis?
Psychosis can manifest as physical agitation like pacing, and can also contribute to physical symptoms of stress. Other symptoms of psychosis include:
- Sudden drop in daily function, such as poor job performance, trouble thinking, or difficulty keeping up with bills or self-care
- Person’s thoughts, emotions, or perceptions are disorganized or unusual
- Hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t there)
- Delusions (the person believes things that are false, magical, or otherwise
What not to do with someone with psychotic disorder?
What is stage 1 of psychosis?
How does stress cause psychosis?
Can overthinking cause psychosis?
Can your brain heal from psychosis?
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