Types of Psychosis Explained
Psychosis is a term used to encompass a set of symptoms that are characterized by disconnection from reality. When an individual experiences psychosis it is typically referred to as a psychotic episode. The primary symptoms that denote psychosis and occur during a psychotic episode include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (perception of a nonexistent sensation, object or event), incoherent speech, and/ or displays of behaviors that are inappropriate for the situation. While psychosis is not itself considered to be a mental health disorder, but rather a symptom, its presence could indicate an individual may be struggling with a psychotic disorder.
TYPES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
There are many different types of psychotic disorders where psychosis is a common symptom. Medical News Today provides the following list of disorders that could cause psychosis:
Delusional disorder: characterized by an inability to distinguish between what is real from what is imagined.
Bipolar psychosis: characterized by severe and disabling highs (mania) and lows (depression).
Schizophrenia: characterized by disordered thoughts, abnormal behaviors, and anti-social behaviors.
Schizoaffective disorder: characterized by delusions, hallucinations, formal thought disorder, or negative symptoms that co-occur with depressive and/ or manic symptoms.
Severe depression: characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in previously enjoyed pastimes, significantly interfering in an individual’s ability to function in his or her daily life.
Substance-induced psychosis: characterized by delusions and/ or hallucinations due to the direct effects of a substance or withdrawal from a substance in the absence of delirium.
Postpartum (postnatal) psychosis: characterized by extreme difficulty in responding emotionally to a newborn baby
Medical News Today further explains that psychosis could also occur as a result of other disorders, some of which include: Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), malaria, syphilis, some types of epilepsy, brain tumors, stroke, and multiple sclerosis (MS). It is imperative to obtain an accurate diagnosis with regard to what may be causing one’s psychosis, as this will greatly inform one’s next steps and help to ensure the most effective treatment.
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.