Psychosis is a serious symptom of certain mental health problems. It also can be caused by some physical disease, traumatic experiences, or drugs and toxins. Psychosis involves perceiving reality differently from those around you. The difference between reality and what you think is reality becomes blurred in your mind.
There are different kinds of psychosis, depending on the cause:
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Health problems such as infections, thyroid disorders, some cancers, sleep deprivation, low or high blood sugar levels, or dementia
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Drug-induced from drugs such as marijuana, alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, or PCP
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Bipolar disorder
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Depression
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Schizophrenia
Symptoms
The symptoms of psychosis may not all be the same for each person. But they usually involve:
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Hallucinations. Seeing, hearing, feeling, or even tasting or smelling things that are not there.
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Delusions. Believing something that's not true, or false beliefs that are not part of a person's religious or cultural background.
There may also be disturbances in thinking, speech, and behavior. These can include:
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Hearing voices that others don't hear
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Seeing things that others don't see
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Racing thoughts
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Lack of energy
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Feeling very fearful
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Disorganized speech
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Intentional or unintentional bodily harm to others
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An unfounded sense of not trusting people around you (paranoia)
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Trouble thinking or concentrating clearly
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Depression, feeling suicidal
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Insomnia
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Withdrawal from those around you
Treatment for psychosis depends on the cause. Medicine is often used, with or without psychotherapy. You may need to stay in the hospital. This is to protect you and to carefully monitor medicines.
Home care
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Find a healthcare provider and therapist who meet your needs. Seek help when you feel like your symptoms are returning.
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Make sure to take your medicine as directed even if you think you don't need it.
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Never stop your medicine or change the dose without talking with your provider. Never use another person's medicine.
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If you have trouble paying for your prescription, let your providers know so they can help you find resources.
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Talk with your family and friends about your feelings and thoughts. Ask them to help you recognize any behavior changes so you can get help right away., Medicines can be adjusted if needed.
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Contact your provider if you feel like your medicine is not working or you are having bad side effects. Medicine changes may need to be made.
Follow-up care is critical
It's important to manage your condition by staying in close and regular contact with your healthcare team. Always follow up with your counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist as advised.
Don't skip taking your medicine or change it without talking with your healthcare team. Take it as advised even if you think you don't need it.
Also:
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Tell each of your healthcare providers about all of the prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take. Certain supplements interact with medicines. This can result in dangerous side effects. Ask your pharmacist when you have questions about drug interactions. Tell your provider if you drink alcohol. If you do, tell them how often and how much you drink.
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Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and any recent illnesses, such as infections.
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Follow-up with lab tests as advised by your healthcare provider. Lab work is very important and can tell your provider the blood level of certain medicines. They can see if your dose needs to be increased or decreased.
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Keep all follow-up appointments with healthcare providers who are treating other medical conditions. Long-term conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems can affect your emotional well-being if they are not controlled.
Crisis care
If you or the person is at immediate risk, call or text the National Suicide Lifeline at
Call
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Have suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan
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Hear voices that are telling you to harm yourself or others
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Have trouble breathing
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Are very confused
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Are very drowsy or have trouble awakening
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Faint or lose consciousness
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Have a rapid heart rate, very low heart rate, or a new irregular heart rate
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Have a seizure
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Gradual or rapid return of psychotic symptoms
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Feeling like you want to harm yourself or another
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Feeling extremely depressed
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Feeling very anxious, agitated, or angry
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Feeling out of control or being controlled by others
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Feeling unable to take care of yourself
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Seeing things or hearing voices that you know aren't real
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Family members or friends are worried about your emotional or physical health and ask you to call your provider
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Symptoms from other health conditions that get worse. Or new symptoms develop.
