Psychosis

When you experience psychosis, it’s impossible to tell what around you is real and what’s not. Emily Russ, PA-C, at Prevail Behavioral Health in Appleton, Wisconsin, can help if you or a loved one develops psychosis. Help is available for people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and others who experience psychosis. Reach out to Prevail Behavioral Health by phone or use the online booking form to schedule a consultation and get relief from psychosis today.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a state of mind where you have difficulty knowing what’s real and what’s not. The primary psychosis symptoms are hallucinations and delusions.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations are where you see things that aren’t there. They seem convincingly real to you, and you find it hard to believe they aren’t. A common hallucination is seeing or hearing people. Often, they can be unpleasant and want you to do things you find uncomfortable. But some people’s hallucinatory companions are friends that offer comfort and reassurance.

Delusions

Delusions are beliefs arising from illogical, flawed thinking. Common examples include believing people are following you or putting listening devices in your home. If anyone tries to prove your belief is false, you refuse to listen despite any evidence they may present. You’re more likely to think the other person is also part of the conspiracy against you.

Why might I develop psychosis?

Psychosis is often a symptom of psychiatric disorders, such as:

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe disorder that typically starts causing problems in early adulthood. It disrupts your thoughts and views, emotional control, communication, and social skills. Without expert treatment, schizophrenia can cause persistent and recurring hallucinations and delusions that make normal life impossible.

Type I bipolar disorder

Type I is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. It causes extreme mood shifts that cycle between deep depression (continual sadness and despair) and mania (hyperactivity and euphoria). Some people with bipolar I disorder also suffer from hallucinations and delusions.

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder causes psychosis alongside depression or bipolar disorder.

How do I know if I have psychosis?

One of the key challenges for patients with psychosis is understanding they’re experiencing hallucinations and delusions. Patients often don’t accept they’ve got a problem because they can’t tell that what they see, hear, or think isn’t real.

Your family and friends might notice behavioral changes, such as:

• Paranoia (excessive suspicion and distrust)
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Problems communicating
• Declining personal care
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sudden school or work problems
• Unusual ideas
• New obsessions
• Social withdrawal
• Emotional problems

Visiting Prevail Behavioral Health for a comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine if you have psychosis or other mental health problems.

What treatment might I need for psychosis?

Patients with psychosis often require antipsychotic medication, which can reduce or eliminate hallucinations and delusions. You could also benefit from individual and/or group psychotherapy.

Prevail Behavioral Health offers compassionate care and support for patients with psychotic disorders and aims to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and community integration.

Call Prevail Behavioral Health to arrange a psychosis evaluation or book an appointment online today.