What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects a person's thoughts, perceptions, and sense of reality. It can cause significant disruption to daily life and requires professional medical attention.
Key Symptoms
Positive Symptoms
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Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there
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Delusions: Strong beliefs that aren't based in reality
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Disorganized thinking: Confused or illogical thought patterns
Negative Symptoms
- Reduced emotional expression
- Decreased motivation
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty with speech and communication
Common Causes
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Mental health conditions: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
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Substance use: Drug or alcohol misuse
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Physical conditions: Brain tumors, infections
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Severe stress or trauma
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Sleep deprivation
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic Process
- Medical history evaluation
- Physical examination
- Mental health assessment
- Brain imaging (in some cases)
Treatment Options
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Medication
- Antipsychotic medications
- Mood stabilizers when necessary
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Psychological Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Social skills training
Living with Psychosis
Self-Management Strategies
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
- Take medications as prescribed
- Attend therapy sessions regularly
- Build a support network
Warning Signs
- Sleep changes
- Anxiety or depression
- Suspicious thoughts
- Social isolation
- Difficulty concentrating
When to Seek Help
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Thoughts of self-harm occur
- Reality testing becomes difficult
- Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- Medication side effects develop
Support Resources
- Mental health crisis hotlines
- Support groups
- Community mental health services
- Online resources and forums