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What is psychosis?
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Psychosis is a sign of mental illness or other conditions, often characterized by an “episode” during which a person has a false or distorted perception of reality. A person experiencing a psychotic episode may have visual or auditory hallucinations, and may have delusions about what is happening around them. Some individuals experiencing psychotic episodes may not know who they are, or may have false ideas about their identity.
Although it is commonly believed that psychosis is, in itself, a mental illness, it is not. Instead, like severe chest pain or a fever, it is a crucial symptom that cannot and should not be ignored. While psychotic episodes may occur in people who suffer from chronic conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other personality disorders, they may also have other causes. Some of these include the following:
- Alcohol or illegal drugs, during both intoxication and withdrawal.
- Degenerative brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease.
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- Cysts or tumors of the brain.
- Infections that affect the brain, such as HIV.
- Certain prescription drugs, including stimulants and steroids.
- Stroke.
- Certain types of epilepsy.
A first episode of psychosis, when it is a symptom of a mental illness like schizophrenia, often occurs in teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 years. When the first episode of psychosis occurs in a person over the age of 40, it becomes increasingly likely that there is an identifiable medical cause.
During an episode of psychosis, a person may speak incoherently, may see or hear things that are not there, or may feel and express great suspicion that others are trying to harm them. The initial episode of psychosis can be very confusing and upsetting, but it is important for early detection and treatment that it not be ignored.
When a person seeks help after a first episode psychosis, doctors will first conduct a series of tests to determine the underlying cause of the episode. These tests may include blood tests of electrolyte and hormone concentrations, blood tests for syphilis and other infections that may affect the brain, screening tests for illegal or prescription drugs, and MRI imaging of the brain.
The treatment method for psychosis is based on the underlying cause of the episode. If the episode of psychosis was caused by a treatable medical condition, treatment of the primary illness will likely be successful in avoiding a future episode. If the cause of psychosis is determined to be a chronic mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, a psychiatrist will coordinate a specific treatment plan to manage the illness and avoid future episodes of psychosis. These treatments will usually entail the use of antipsychotic medications, and will also frequently include psychotherapy, educational tools, and ongoing support for the patient. For patients with mental illnesses characterized by psychosis, diligent treatment and preventive measures will be necessary for the rest of the patient’s life to maintain mental health and function.
Reference:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002520/