Do You Really Know What A Psychosis Is?

A psychosis occurs when a person experiences a serious change in the way they experience reality. To improve the quality of life of those who suffer from psychosis, we must really try to understand them and treat them properly.

In this article you will find information about the main features of psychosis, what can cause a psychosis, and some advice on how to deal with them.

What is a psychosis and what are its main features?

Psychosis is characterized by the affected person having abnormal ideas and perceptions. It can also lead to changes in their behavior and they may experience losing touch with reality. A form of temporary separation from reality takes place.

A person who shows signs of psychosis experiences a changed reality and therefore is unable to function normally in his environment. The main features of a psychosis are:

• Delusions and changes in the content of thoughts due to new interpretations, or distortions of reality.
• Hallucinations. The perception of objects, images and external stimuli that are not real.
• Disorganized thoughts and / or behaviors.
• Dilapidated or sloppy physical appearance.
• Social isolation.

A psychosis can last for days or weeks and can sometimes require hospitalization. In any case, the person, with the right medical and psychological treatment, will regain his balance and be able to return to his daily routines.

What causes psychosis?

Psychosis can be triggered by a number of different factors, such as excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, certain medications, organic or biological causes, severe depression, severe emotional strain or whether one suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, among other things.

Confusion around psychoses

There is some confusion about what constitutes a psychosis and other mental disorders. Many people believe that a psychosis is the same as schizophrenia. We can say that schizophrenia is a form of long-term mental illness, while a psychosis lasts short and occurs for a limited period.

Borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder can include episodes of psychosis. Nevertheless, a psychosis can be caused by a single incident without any association with other mental disorders, for example if a person is in an extremely stressful situation, such as a traffic accident.

How to treat psychoses?

People who are at risk for psychosis, or who have already experienced a psychosis, need  pharmacological treatment (antipsychotics) and they need to go to psychotherapy. There has been a tendency for family interventions to be very successful as it brings the family closer to the person’s experiences and provides them with information, tools and support.

Many specialists in the field recommend that civil society be proven and sensitive to the situation.

By avoiding stigmatizing language and offering continuous help, as well as reminding affected people to take their medication, we can help people living with psychosis. That these people feel loved, valued, respected and that they have support in their surroundings is more important than we might think.

Psychiatrist Roberto Fernández  personally supports  Assertive Community Therapy, which treats people experiencing psychosis. The treatment seems to improve the development of the disorder and minimize the risk of relapse.

Assertive Community Treatment is a program that can be used from the very first psychosis. It is based on orienting the person suffering from psychosis and offering them continuous care and an active follow-up of their development. It is part of an integrated community work and is aimed at the people around the patient with a special focus on interventions in the home.