It’s very important to be able to spot the warning signs of psychosis. By learning to recognize the signs of a psychotic break, you can get treatment for yourself or a loved one. Let’s take a look at psychotic break symptoms and find out how to differentiate them from similar conditions.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. Someone who’s experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing what’s real from what isn’t. Psychosis can manifest as hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking. It can occur as a symptom of a variety of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression, or be triggered by substance abuse, trauma or medical conditions.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), between 15 and 100 people every year develop psychosis. Psychotic break symptoms most often develop in people in their late teens and early twenties or in older adults who have neurological conditions.
Warning Signs of Psychosis
Recognizing the early signs of psychosis is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. Here are the key signs of a psychotic break you should look out for:
- Hallucinations. Hallucinations are a common symptom of psychosis. These might include auditory hallucinations, which means hearing voices or sounds that others don’t hear. Visual hallucinations, or seeing things that aren’t present, are also common. Some people experience olfactory and tactile hallucinations, which means smelling or feeling things that have no physical source.
- Delusions. Many people who have psychosis experience paranoid delusions. That means believing others are plotting against you or out to harm you. Grandiose delusions are also common. These cause people to have an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities, such as believing they have special powers or are on a secret mission. Believing you have a serious medical condition, despite evidence to the contrary, is known as a somatic delusion.
- Disorganized thinking. People who are experiencing psychosis often have difficulty organizing thoughts or connecting them logically. They might speak incoherently or jump from topic to topic without making sense. Inability to focus on a task or conversation is also very common.
- Behavioral changes. Watch out for your loved one isolating themselves from friends, family and social interactions. They may also act in a manner that’s out of character, such as being very agitated, or stare into space and not engage with anyone. Failing to maintain personal care and grooming can also be one of the warning signs of psychosis.
- Mood changes. Experiencing rapid mood swings, such as switching between intense feelings of euphoria and depression, is common in psychosis. However, some people have a flat affect, which means showing a lack of emotion or expression.
Psychosis vs. Common Emotions
It’s important to differentiate psychosis from other common emotional experiences:
- Stress. While stress can cause temporary anxiety or changes in behavior, it doesn’t typically lead to hallucinations or delusions.
- Sadness. Sadness is a normal emotion everyone experiences, often in response to life events, while psychosis involves a break from reality.
- Daydreaming. Daydreaming involves imagined scenarios but doesn’t disconnect a person from reality like psychosis does.
Other Conditions That Are Similar
Several other mental health conditions may have overlapping symptoms with psychosis. This can make diagnosis difficult. Here are some tips for telling the difference:
- Schizophrenia. This is a chronic brain disorder that can include symptoms of psychosis. It can be managed with medication.
- Bipolar disorder. This condition can involve episodes of mania or depression, with possible signs of a psychotic break developing during severe mood swings.
- Severe depression. In extreme cases, depression can lead to psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.
- Substance-induced psychosis. Psychosis can be triggered by drug or alcohol use. If this is the case, it typically gets better quickly after the substance is cleared from the body.
- Delirium. This is a severe but temporary confusion and disorientation that can include psychotic symptoms. It’s often caused by physical illness or medication.
Next Steps to Take
If you recognize these warning signs of psychosis in yourself or someone else, it’s crucial to take immediate steps. Work through these steps to help manage the condition and move toward recovery:
- Seek professional help. Contact a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, so they can make a diagnosis.
- Hold an emergency intervention. If the individual is in immediate danger or poses a threat to themselves or others, seek emergency medical assistance or call emergency services.
- Get education and support. Educate yourself and family members about psychosis so you can better understand and manage the condition. Support groups can provide some very valuable resources and a sense of community.
- Follow treatment plans. It’s very important to stick to prescribed treatments, which may include medication and therapy. A consistent approach is essential for managing psychotic break symptoms and preventing relapses.
- Promote a healthy lifestyle. Encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and avoiding alcohol and drugs to support overall mental health.
Getting Help for Psychosis
Recognizing the warning signs of psychosis and taking prompt action is critical for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by psychosis. If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing psychosis, reach out for professional help immediately. Mental Health Hotline partners with mental health providers nationwide to provide support for people experiencing the warning signs of psychosis and their families. Contact us today to get the help you or your loved one needs to recover.
