Symptoms Of Psychosis

• Hallucinations: Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present. They can occur in any of the five senses:

  • Auditory hallucinations: Hearing voices or sounds that others cannot hear.

  • Visual hallucinations: Seeing objects, people, or scenes that are not real.

  • Tactile hallucinations: Feeling sensations on the skin, such as crawling or tingling, without any external cause.

  • Olfactory hallucinations: Smelling odours that are not present.

  • Gustatory hallucinations: Tasting flavours or sensations without any corresponding external stimuli.

• Delusions: Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are resistant to reason or evidence. Common types of delusions include:

  • Paranoid delusions: Believing that one is being persecuted, spied on, or conspired against.

  • Grandiose delusions: Having an exaggerated sense of one's importance, power, knowledge, or identity.

  • Delusions of control: Believing that one's thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by an external force.

  • Delusions of reference: Believing that insignificant events or objects have special meaning or significance.

• Disorganized Thinking: Disorganized thinking can manifest as disjointed speech, incoherent or illogical thoughts, or difficulty concentrating. People experiencing psychosis may have trouble organizing their thoughts or communicating coherently.

• Disorganized Behaviour: This can include a range of behaviours that seem unusual, unpredictable, or socially inappropriate. Examples may include agitation, bizarre movements, or difficulties with basic self-care tasks.

• Emotional Disturbances: Psychosis can affect emotions, leading to heightened anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Some individuals may become agitated, irritable, or emotionally flat.

• Impaired Insight: Many individuals experiencing psychosis may not recognize that their thoughts or perceptions are distorted. This lack of insight can make it challenging for them to accept help or seek treatment.

Causes Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is considered a complex and multifactorial condition, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Here are some of the key factors that are believed to contribute to the development of bipolar disorder:

• Genetics: There is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder. Individuals with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. While specific genes associated with bipolar disorder have been identified, it is a complex interplay of multiple genes that likely contribute to susceptibility.

• Neurochemical Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are believed to play a role in bipolar disorder. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, and abnormalities in their functioning can contribute to mood swings.

• Brain Structure and Function: Research has shown that there may be differences in the brain structure and function of individuals with bipolar disorder. These differences can affect mood regulation, emotional processing, and cognitive functioning.

• Stressful Life Events: Stressful life events, such as trauma, loss, or major life changes, can trigger the onset of bipolar episodes in some individuals. Stress may also contribute to the recurrence of episodes.

• Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use, can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder and may contribute to the development of the disorder in some cases.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger mood episodes in individuals predisposed to bipolar disorder.

• Sleep Disruption: Irregular sleep patterns or sleep deprivation can contribute to the onset of manic or depressive episodes.

• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, including exposure to toxins or infections during prenatal development, may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder, although the specific mechanisms are not well understood.

​

Note: bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and not all individuals with genetic predisposition or exposure to risk factors will develop the disorder. Additionally, the specific combination and interplay of these factors can vary from person to person. Bipolar disorder typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can occur at any age.Causes Of Psychosis

Psychosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Here are some common causes and contributing factors associated with psychosis:

​

• Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of psychosis. Individuals with a family history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of experiencing psychosis themselves.

• Brain Chemistry and Neurobiology: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the brain, have been implicated in the development of psychosis. Dopamine, in particular, is thought to play a significant role. Abnormalities in brain structure and function, such as changes in brain volume or connectivity, may also contribute to the onset of psychosis.

• Substance Use: Certain drugs, both legal and illegal, can induce psychotic symptoms. Substances known to trigger psychosis include:

  • Stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine

  • Hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and PCP

  • Cannabis, particularly in individuals predisposed to psychosis

  • Alcohol, especially during withdrawal or in cases of heavy, chronic use

• Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions or neurological disorders can cause psychosis or psychotic-like symptoms. These may include:

  • Brain tumours or lesions

  • Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease

  • Autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis

  • Infections such as encephalitis or HIV/AIDS

• Trauma and Stress: Traumatic experiences, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or severe stress, can increase the risk of developing psychosis, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.

• Mental Health Disorders: Psychosis is not a specific mental disorder but rather a symptom that can occur in various conditions, including:

  • Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and behaviour. Psychosis is a core feature of schizophrenia.

  • Bipolar Disorder: Psychosis can occur during manic or depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.

  • Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features: Some people with severe depression may experience psychosis, including hallucinations or delusions.

  • Brief Psychotic Disorder: This is a temporary psychotic episode that lasts for a short duration, often triggered by stress or trauma.

  • Substance-Induced Psychosis: Psychosis can be induced by substance abuse, including drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, or cocaine.

• Sleep Deprivation: Prolonged sleep deprivation or disruptions in sleep patterns can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms.

​

Note: experiencing psychosis does not necessarily mean that a person has a specific underlying disorder or condition, as it can be a transient or episodic occurrence in some cases. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it's crucial to seek help from a qualified mental health professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Treatment

The treatment for psychosis typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support services. The specific approach may vary depending on the underlying cause of the psychosis and the individual's unique needs. Here are some common treatments for psychosis:

• Antipsychotic Medications: Antipsychotic medications are often the first line of treatment for psychosis. These medications help to reduce or alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or supportive therapy, can help individuals with psychosis better understand and cope with their symptoms. CBT may focus on identifying and challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs, while supportive therapy provides emotional support and practical strategies for managing symptoms.

• Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy sessions can be beneficial for both the individual with psychosis and their loved ones. Family therapy can help improve communication, reduce stress, and provide support for caregivers.

• Education and Support Services: Education about psychosis and support services such as peer support groups, case management, and vocational rehabilitation can help individuals with psychosis and their families navigate the challenges associated with the condition and improve their overall quality of life.

• Hospitalization: In severe cases of psychosis where the individual is at risk of harming themselves or others, hospitalization may be necessary for stabilization and safety. During hospitalization, the individual can receive intensive treatment, medication management, and monitoring until their symptoms improve.

• Substance Abuse Treatment: If substance abuse is contributing to or exacerbating psychosis symptoms, treatment for substance use disorders may be necessary. This can involve detoxification, counselling, and support groups to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety.

• Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions: If psychosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumour or autoimmune disorder, treatment of the underlying condition is essential for managing psychosis symptoms.

• Long-Term Management: For individuals with chronic psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, long-term management may involve ongoing medication, therapy, and support services to help maintain stability and prevent relapse.

​

Note: Individuals with psychosis need to work closely with a qualified mental health professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with psychosis can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

References

1. Calabrese, J., & Khalili, Y. A. (2023, May 1). Psychosis. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546579/

2. Understanding psychosis. (2023). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved March 1, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis