PsychosisSi-Ko-Sis
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionPsychosis is the loss of contact with reality. It may result in false beliefs called delusions or sensing things that are not really there (hallucinations). CausesPsychosis may be caused by changes in chemicals and/or structures of the brain. Some conditions associated with psychosis include:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of psychosis include:
SymptomsSymptoms can vary but may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Information about alcohol use, illegal drugs, prescription medications, supplements, and herbs will also be collected. A psychiatric evaluation will be done. Bodily fluids may be tested to look for the presence of substances that can cause problems or to look for imbalance in the body. This can be done with:
TreatmentTreatment will depend on the cause of your psychosis. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Hospitalization may be needed until the psychosis is managed. Options may include one or more of the following: Psychological TherapyPsychological therapy treatments are often recommended in addition to medicine. There are several different types of therapies such as:
The medical team will help determine which therapy or therapies may be best. MedicationsMedicines may be recommended to control symptoms. The exact type or combination will depend on symptoms and causes. Some options include:
PreventionPrevention depends on the cause of psychosis. Those at risk for psychosis may be able to prevent a psychotic episode with careful management of related condition. RESOURCES:National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov National Mental Health Association http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org References:Olin SC, Mednick SA. Risk factors of psychosis: identifying vulnerable populations premorbidly. Schizophr Bull. 1996;22(2):223-240. Psychosis. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 4, 2017. Psychosis. NHS Choices website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated December 23, 2016. Accessed October 4, 2017. Psychosis. Rethink Mental Illness website. Available at: https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/conditions/psychosis. Updated February 2016. Accessed October 4, 2017. What is early and first-episode psychosis? National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at: https://www.nami.org/getattachment/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Early-Psychosis-and-Psychosis/NAMI-Early-Psychosis.pdf. Accessed October 4, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 5/6/2020 |
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