What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality. It involves disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and perceptions—often leading to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs).

It can be due to mental health issues; substance use or stressful conditions such as life changes. Over time, with the right treatment, one can manage and alleviate psychosis symptoms, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.

Is Psychosis a Mental Illness or a Symptom?

“Psychosis is not a diagnosis in itself—it’s a signal that something deeper is happening in the brain.” – Mental Health Expert

Unlike conditions such as depression or anxiety, psychosis is a symptom, not a standalone disorder. It often appears in illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder and can also result from substance use or certain medical conditions.

Other factors include the abuse of drugs or some other medical condition. It is essential to get attention to the initial issue if you want to ensure successful treatment and achieve recovery.

Why Psychosis is Not a Disorder but a Symptom

Psychosis is not a disorder. Rather, it is a symptom found in various conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar illness, or severe stress. It shows there is some damage to the brain. Knowing this makes it easier to treat effectively by eliminating the cause and not just the symptoms.

Disorders That Include Psychosis

Several mental health disorders may include psychosis as a core symptom:

• Schizophrenia – Chronic hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking

• Bipolar Disorder – Psychotic features during extreme highs or lows

• Major Depressive Disorder – Severe depression can trigger psychotic beliefs

• Schizoaffective Disorder – A hybrid of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms

• Substance-Induced Psychosis – Triggered by drug use or withdrawal

Accurate diagnosis is essential. It guides treatment plans that address both the psychosis and its root cause for long-term stability.

What are the Symptoms of Psychosis?

Psychosis alters a person’s perception, thoughts, and emotional state making distinguishing reality from fiction increasingly difficult. Psychosis symptoms often encompass hallucinations, delusions, irrational thoughts, and emotional apathy. Identifying the issue in a timely fashion allows one to properly seek help and recover successfully.

Early Warning Signs

Psychosis often begins gradually, with subtle changes in behaviour and thinking patterns. Early signs include:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Declining performance at work or school
• Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
• Suspicion or paranoia
• Unusual thoughts or beliefs

Recognising these signals early helps prevent a full-blown psychotic episode and opens the door to timely intervention.

Hallucinations

Sensing things that are not there is what hallucination refers to. The most common one is auditory which is hearing voices.

Visionary hallucination includes seeing objects or people who aren’t real. Smelling things, other people cannot be olfactory hallucinations while tactile hallucinations involve feeling bugs crawling on oneself.

Delusions

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that remain unshaken even when proven wrong. Taking someone to be important or bestowing special powers on them is grandiose delusions.

Believing one is unreasonably being targeted or spied on is called persecute delusions. False assumptions about health or body are termed somatic delusions.

Disorganised Thinking and Speech

Thought patterns are disorganised which leads to trouble in executing basic activities. Speech is usually broken in sense that thoughts are absent of any order.

Topics do not relate to one another, yet they talk in circles. The ability to communicate and operate daily is severely hindered.

Negative Symptoms

Negative symptoms reflect a loss of normal functioning. They often mimic depression but stem from the cognitive disruption of psychosis:

• Emotional flatness or numbness
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of motivation or interest in daily activities
• Poor personal hygiene
• Reduced speech or expression

Though less dramatic than hallucinations or delusions, these psychosis symptoms can be more disabling in the long run if left unaddressed.

Causes of Psychosis

Psychosis can originate from mental health issues, substance abuse, a traumatic experience, or a medical problem.

Chemical imbalances in the brain, heredity, and extreme stress are key contributors to triggering psychotic episodes.

Brain Chemistry & Genetic Factors

Dopamine overactivity causes hallucinations and delusions and further disrupts cognitive functioning.

This effect is likely why many cite the association of dopamine dysregulation with psychosis.

In addition, genetics are important as, in the case of schizophrenia and related disorders, the risk becomes greater with a family history.

These biological aspects underline the importance of appropriate interventions for psychotic disorders.

“Psychosis is often linked to an overactive dopamine system.” - Expert Quote

Substance-Induced Psychosis

Drugs like cannabis, cocaine, meth, and LSD can lead to psychotic episodes due to their impact on an individual's brain chemistry.

These episodes tend to resolve when the drug is cleared from the system. Oppositely, chronic forms of psychosis like schizophrenia exist even without substance use. This difference is essential for proper treatment and recovery.

Medical Conditions Linked to Psychosis

Psychosis may occur due to certain medical ailments, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, brain tumours, epilepsy, and autoimmune conditions like lupus.

Infections, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can also spur these symptoms. Correct diagnosis aids in formulating appropriate treatment strategies and managing psychosis symptoms effectively.

Trauma & Stress-Related Triggers

Psychotic episodes can be triggered from severe childhood trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress. Delusions and hallucinations can also result from extreme anxiety, sleep deprivation, or emotional distress.

Trauma-related psychosis is commonly treated with therapies and coping techniques. Focusing on the underlying cause facilitates complete recovery and symptom elimination.

Stages of Psychosis

There are three developmental stages of psychosis:

• Prodromal Phase (early warning signs)
• Acute Psychosis (severe symptoms)
• Recovery & Long-Term Care (treatment and stabilisation)

Timely intervention boosts outcomes and minimises long-term disability.

Stage 1: Prodromal Phase

This phase with the least prominent signs is associated with slight changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

There may be social withdrawal, strange beliefs, paranoia, or concentration challenges. Symptoms get worse, but prior seeking help can mitigate chances of full-blown psychosis. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Stage 2: Acute Psychosis

Now, hallucinations, delusional beliefs, paranoid behaviours, and disorganised thoughts reach an all-time high making functioning extremely difficult.

The person may become erratic or deeply distressed. Major treatment is sometimes unavoidable. Prompt action limits the intensity of symptoms and the prognosis consequences in the future.

Stage 3: Recovery & Long-Term Care

Recovery includes therapy, medication, and adequate supportive structures to ensure stability is optimised. Others will require continuous intervention to aid relapse prevention.

Regular stress-free monitoring, along with lifestyle adjustments, are fundamental for stable mental health and reducing the risk of future psychotic episodes.

How is Psychosis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, interviews, and medical examination. The practitioner assesses aspects like emotional reaction, response mechanisms, and behaviour.

Eliminating all medical possibilities is essential first. Prompt diagnosis enables timely intervention, enhancing recovery and averting long-term functional deficits.

Psychiatric Evaluation

Psychiatrists focus on past and present hallucinations, delusions, mood alterations, and daily activities.

They evaluate personal histories, stress levels, and possible triggers. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to the course of symptom development.

A thorough psychiatric evaluation differentiates whether the psychosis is due to a mental illness, substance, or medical issue.

Medical Tests & Brain Imaging

Blood tests and neurological exams, alongside brain imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, are conducted to eliminate possible medical reasons such as infections, tumours, or metabolic disorders. These techniques evaluate brain structure and functionality.

Types of Psychosis

Psychosis can differ in its origin and duration.

A primary type stems from a psychiatric disorder, while a secondary type emerges from a medical ailment, trauma, or substance use. The diagnosis dictates the preferred treatment.

Primary Psychosis

Primary psychosis disease presents in schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and brief psychotic disorder.

It occurs independently, without other medical illnesses or substance use as external triggers.

Such symptoms are chronic and, therefore, persistently require long-term treatment consisting of medication, therapy, and other management strategies.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic condition associated with hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thought, and emotional blunting.

It alters both perception and cognition, requiring lifelong care with antipsychotic drugs, therapy, and social support.

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder includes the symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, either bipolar or depression.

People go through psychosis disease, extreme mood changes, and emotional turbulence. Treatment consists of antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and psychotherapy.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

This type of short-term psychosis lasts less than one month in duration and can be triggered by intense stress, trauma or changes associated with postpartum recovery. It can be treated with therapy, medications, and emotional support.

Delusional Disorder

Delusional disorder encompasses enduring false beliefs (whether persecutory, grandiose, or of somatic nature) devoid of hallucinations or significant disorganisation. People are functionally normal but battle with warped perception. Treatment encompasses therapy and medication.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is rare but severe in nature for new mothers. It causes hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood changes, and periods of confusion. Immediate medical attention is vital for the mother and baby. It is treated with hospitalisation, medication, and therapy.

Secondary Psychosis

As a response to substances, medical conditions, or trauma, secondary psychosis does not stem from a primary psychiatric condition. Finding the cause is important, as treatment aims at the root problem instead of merely alleviating the psychotic symptoms.

Substance-Induced Psychosis

Cannabis, LSD, meth, and cocaine can induce temporary psychotic symptoms. Unlike chronic psychosis, symptoms usually resolve post-detox. Treatment includes stabilisation, therapy, and addressing any substance use disorder.

Psychosis Due to Medical Conditions

Psychosis can be brought on by conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain tumours, infections, and some metabolic disorders. Treating the underlying illness reduces overall wellbeing and mental health.

Trauma-Related Psychosis

Psychotic episodes can be triggered by severe trauma, PTSD, and prolonged stress. Symptoms may include hallucination, disassociation, and paranoia. Treatment addresses trauma using emotional regulation and coping strategies.

Treatment for Psychosis

The most effective treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Antipsychotic medication helps manage the symptoms, while the therapy focuses on thoughts and behaviours. Holistic measures such as mindfulness and stress relief aid recovery. Early intervention optimises outcomes by helping regain stability and a fulfilling life.

Conclusion: A combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is often the most effective approach for managing psychosis disease and improving long-term mental health.

Antipsychotic Medications

Two categories exist for Antipsychotic medications, first generation or typical and second generation or atypical. Helps in mitigating hallucinations, delusions as well as thought disturbances. Side effects may include but are not limited to weight gain, drowsiness, and tremors.

“Medication helps regulate brain chemistry and reduce symptoms.” -Quoted by a Psychiatrist on why medication can help.

Therapy & Counselling

Cognitive therapies such as CBT allow individuals to challenge and validate their delusions. Family therapy aims to empower family members and provide support. Counselling aids in developing strategies for daily tasks which helps in reducing relapses.

Holistic & Lifestyle Approaches

Stress can be managed through mindfulness, meditation and various relaxation techniques. Nutrition, physical activity and sleep can aid in brain health. Removal of caffeine, alcohol, and stressors can help achieve stability and expedite long-term recovery.

What to Do If You or a Loved One is Experiencing Psychosis

Stay calm enough to diffuse the situation. Do not argue to avoid delusions. For safety, lower stress and seek help. Persuade the individual to seek medical help. Escalation is avoided and outcomes are improved with a crisis plan.

Step-by-Step Crisis Management Guide

1.Remain calm while reassuring the individual.

2.Ensure safety by removing harmful tools.

3.Resist any confrontation regarding delusions.

4.Please encourage them to seek help from professionals.

5.Call emergency number if required.

When to Seek Immediate Help?

Reach out for medical assistance without delay if you, or an individual close to you, experiences:

• Intense hallucinations and delusions
• Thoughts and emotions associated with disorganised or extreme paranoia
• Self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Aggressive conduct or the potential to physically harm others
• Inability to separate illusions from reality
• Abrupt withdrawal, unexpected confusion, or catatonic state

Act promptly, swift treatment can avert disaster.

Contact Mindtalk today for specialised consultation.

Seek Professional Help from Experts at MindTalk and get rid of your Psychosis

Psychosis treatment at Mindtalk is done by expert psychiatrists and therapists who tailor treatment according to individual needs. Through a combination of medication, therapy, and holistic support, you can regain control of your life and your day-to-day functioning. Don’t struggle in silence; compassionate help awaits.

If you're seeking solutions for emotional and mental well-being, Mindtalk’s specialists are here to help. Our platform offers comprehensive mental health services, including counselling, therapy for psychosis, and psychiatric care, provided by specialised experts. With a focus on evidence-based and holistic approaches, we support your path to personal growth and healing. Reach out to us today to book a therapy session. Call us at +91 73534 00999.