Psychosis

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition in which an individual loses contact with reality. Symptoms of psychosis can significantly impair how someone perceives the world and their ability to function normally in daily life.

There are several key features of psychosis:

  • False beliefs that are strongly held by the individual despite evidence to the contrary (e.g., believing that you have special powers, are being persecuted by an organization, or that your thoughts are being controlled)

  • Having sensory experiences (i.e., seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling something) of stimuli that are not actually present (e.g., hearing voices, also known as auditory hallucinations)

  • Difficulty organizing thoughts can result in incoherent speech or having trouble with following conversations, connecting ideas, and processing information

  • Inappropriate, unpredictable, or erratic behaviour that may be abnormal or out of character for the individual

  • Decreased ability to express or experience emotions, apathy, lack of motivation or interest in daily activities, and social withdrawal or isolation

What Is A Psychotic Disorder?

Psychotic disorders encompass several conditions that can result in psychotic symptoms. There are many different types of mental health conditions that may involve symptoms of psychosis.

Psychotic disorders and mood disorders with psychotic features include:

  • A chronic mental health disorder characterized by persistent psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking

  • A mental health condition that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder (bipolar or depressive type)

  • Experiencing persistent delusions without other psychotic symptoms

  • A sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month and typically triggered by a stressor

  • Symptoms of psychosis which result from the use of alcohol, drugs, or medication

  • Episodes of alternating mood disturbance (mania and depression) accompanied by symptoms of psychosis

  • Depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis

How Do We Treat Psychotic Disorders?

Psychotic disorders are usually treated with antipsychotic medication to reduce symptoms of psychosis. The use of other medications, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, may also be helpful in cases where the psychotic symptoms are associated with a mood disorder like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an additional treatment option that can help individuals with psychotic symptoms challenge their distorted thoughts and beliefs, as well as develop coping strategies to reduce distress during psychotic episodes. If psychosis is related to substance use, it is important to address any potential substance use problems and help the individual safely withdraw from substance abuse. Individuals with psychotic disorders can also benefit from programs designed for vocational and social rehabilitation, such as support groups and skills training that can help them reintegrate into employment.

The Psychotic Disorder Treatment Team