Psychosis is a mental health condition that causes a person to lose touch with reality. It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts and behavior. While it is not always easy to identify if someone is psychotic, there are some signs that may indicate the presence of psychosis.
Signs of Psychosis
Hallucinations: Hallucinations are experiences that seem real, but are not. They may involve hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there. These can be auditory, visual, or tactile (touch-based).
Delusions: A delusion is a false belief that is not based in reality. For example, a person may have a delusion of grandeur, believing they are an important figure or have special powers.
Paranoia: Paranoia is a feeling of intense fear or mistrust of others. People with psychosis may have paranoia towards certain people, objects, or situations.
Disorganized thinking: Disorganized thinking is a symptom of psychosis in which a person's thoughts become so jumbled that it is difficult to make sense of them. This may lead to difficulty in communicating or understanding others.
Diagnosing Psychosis
If you think you may be experiencing psychosis, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. A mental health professional can diagnose psychosis and provide treatment. They may do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. They may also order blood tests or imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Treatment of Psychosis
Treatment for psychosis usually involves medications, such as antipsychotics, and talk therapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatment may also involve lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits and avoiding substance use. With proper treatment, many people with psychosis can lead healthy and productive lives.