Everything You Need to Know About Psychosis

In this blog, we will look at a grave condition known as psychosis which was popularized in the recent Bollywood film Atrangi Re. This condition is a very serious problem which occurs after a trauma or as a precursor to other mental illnesses where the person can see or hear things which are not present in reality. Hence, on that note, let us look at all the details related to this condition. 

Note that you can try online consultation with doctors especially if you are feeling stigmatized or self-conscious about visiting a doctor. 

So without further ado, let’s check out what is psychosis and how it is treated. 

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a symptom of a graver mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Such persons may experience hallucinations or delusions. It involves a loss of contact with reality. The person may see or hear or believe things that aren’t real. 

It should be noted that psychosis is not an illness but a symptom. Some of the triggers of this condition are:

  • Mental illness
  • Physical injury or illness
  • Substance abuse
  • Extreme stress or trauma

What is Secondary Psychosis?

Secondary psychosis occurs when you lose touch with reality but there is no primary psychotic illness like bipolar or schizophrenia. Secondary psychosis can often be treated and disappears in a short time. 

What Are the Warning and Early Signs of Psychosis? 

Psychosis does not start suddenly, below is listed the gradual progression of the disease. To treat psychosis or secondary psychosis you can have an online consultation with doctors. 

  • Warning signs before psychosis

Psychosis starts with a gradual change in the way you perceive the world. There may be a drop in grades, job performance, feelings of suspicion or unease around others, lack of self-care, spending a lot of time alone, stronger emotions or no emotions at all. 

  • Signs of early psychosis

The symptoms gradually grow very sinister. You may hear, see or taste things that others do not. Moreover, you may have strange perceptions and beliefs which you will passionately hold on to, no matter what others say. Isolation from friends and family, not taking care of yourself, and not being able to think clearly or pay attention for long are some of the signs of early psychosis. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Psychotic Episode?

A psychotic episode can be traumatizing and scary for the relatives of the person going through the condition. Moreover, the person going through the episode may also be afraid and confused as to what is happening to them. 

During a psychotic episode, the person may hear disembodied voices, feel a strange feeling that they can’t explain, see things that aren’t there or think the shape of things is wrong. These are known as hallucinations. 

Apart from hallucinations, the patient may also suffer from delusions. In this case, they believe that outside forces are controlling their feelings, small events have huge meanings and they have special powers or are on a special mission. Some may even believe they are gods. 

What Are the Risk Factors of Psychosis?

The risk factors of psychosis include: 

  • Genetics
  • Drugs
  • Trauma
  • Injuries and Illnesses

What Is the Medical Treatment of Psychosis?

Treatment for psychosis involves coordinated speciality care. The treatment involves combining medicine, therapy, work, social services and educational support. The family of the person is involved as much as possible. 

Doctors may recommend antipsychotic drugs and suggest that you avoid alcohol and drugs. In case you are at risk of harming yourself or others, you need to be treated in a hospital or care centre. Doctors may also prescribe psychotherapy. In case you are an elderly person, you can opt for elderly care in Kolkata. 

Takeaway

Mental illness cases are rising in the world today because of the stress, and lifestyle choices along with war, COVID-19 etc. 

  • Psychotic disorders usually affect people in their late teens or early adulthood. Young people are more likely to get it and doctors do not understand why. 
  • Psychotherapy helps to curb the problem along with medication. 

If you know someone who is suffering from the problem, you need to get in touch with a professional health care worker or doctor immediately. For that reason, Doctor2Care has been founded to help people get an online consultation with doctors in a personal and respectful way without any added stigmatization.