Identifying a Psychotic Episode
Psychosis is characterized by delusions and/ or hallucinations that cause a severe disturbance in the perception of reality. The Oxford English Dictionary defines hallucination as “an experience involving the apparent perception of something not present.” There are five types of hallucinations, which are a visual (seeing something that is not there), auditory (hearing sounds that others cannot hear), tactile (feeling things that are not there), olfactory (e.g. smelling something with no physical source), and gustatory (tasting something with no source). The Mayo Clinic explains that delusions are false beliefs that are not based in reality; a delusion is “a belief or altered reality that is persistently held despite evidence or agreement to the contrary.” The precise cause of psychosis remains unknown. There are, however, several contributing factors (e.g. genetics, substance use, trauma, physical illness or injury, and mental health conditions) that have been recognized as playing a role in its development.
WARNING SIGNS
There are a variety of symptoms that can manifest during a psychotic episode. Understanding some of the initial warning signs of psychosis can help with the recovery process, and in some cases could even reverse the effects. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) some of the early warning signs of psychosis could include the following:
Trouble thinking clearly
Difficulty concentrating
A noticeable and worrisome drop in academic or employment performance
A decline in self-care and/ or personal hygiene practices
Suspiciousness and/ or uneasiness with others
Strong, inappropriate emotions or experiencing an absence of feelings
Electing to spend increasing amounts of time alone
Though possible, characteristically, psychotic episodes do not have a sudden onset. Rather an individual on the verge of psychosis is likely to experience non-specific, gradual changes in his or her thoughts and/ or perceptions.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The exact combination of signs and symptoms an individual experiencing a psychotic episode will vary, as will the severity of symptoms. Medical News Today provides the following signs and symptoms of psychosis:
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized thinking, speech and behavior
Catatonia
Unusual psychomotor behavior
Psychosis can also induce mood changes, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing. Though it can be very difficult to distinguish the exact time a psychotic episode commences, the above examples are strong indications of psychosis. The traditional treatment for psychosis involves a comprehensive, multi-modal approach that usually consists of both medication and psychotherapy.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.