What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by a loss of touch with reality. It involves a set of symptoms that affect your thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviour. If you are experiencing psychosis, you may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
You may find yourself experiencing delusions such as believing that you are being watched or you have special powers, hallucinations such as hearing voices or seeing things others do not, disorganised thinking which may cause your speech to become fragmented or nonsensical, disorganised behaviour such as acting inappropriately or neglecting your personal hygiene, or you may experience a reduction or loss of normal emotional responses, motivation and ability to carry out daily activities.
Around 1 in every 200 adult Australians will experience a psychotic illness each year.
What are the probable causes?
The causes of psychosis are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Genetic factors: Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to psychosis, as it tends to run in families. Having a close family member with a history of psychosis or other mental health disorders increases the risk of developing psychosis.
Neurobiological factors: There is evidence to suggest that imbalances in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) and structural abnormalities in the brain may contribute to the development of psychosis. For example, an excess or dysfunction of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, thought processes, and perception, has been implicated in some forms of psychosis, such as schizophrenia.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of psychosis. These may include early-life stress or trauma, exposure to toxins during foetal development, infections that affect the brain, and other environmental stressors that can impact brain function. Additionally, substance abuse, particularly heavy and prolonged use of certain drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines, has been associated with an increased risk of psychosis.
Psychological factors: Psychological factors, such as personality traits, coping styles, and emotional resilience, can also contribute to the development of psychosis. For example, individuals who have a history of childhood trauma or abuse, or who have difficulties coping with stress or managing emotions, may be at increased risk for developing psychosis.
It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing psychosis, not everyone with these risk factors will experience psychosis, and not all individuals who experience psychosis will have the same causes or triggers. The exact cause of psychosis is still not fully understood and is likely to be multifactorial, involving a complex interplay between genetic, neurobiological, environmental, and psychological factors.
What treatments are available?
There are various treatments available for psychosis, and the appropriate treatment plan may depend on the underlying cause, severity, and individual needs of the person experiencing psychosis. Treatment for psychosis typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support from mental health professionals. Here are some common treatment approaches:
Medication: Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of psychosis. These medications work by targeting and regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. There are two main types of antipsychotic medications: typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics. The choice of medication and dosage will depend on the specific diagnosis and the individual's response to the medication.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, such as individual counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), or family therapy, may be beneficial for individuals with psychosis. Psychotherapy can help individuals better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms of psychosis and improve overall functioning.
Psychosocial interventions: Psychosocial interventions, such as psychosocial rehabilitation, supported employment, and supported education, can help you with psychosis develop skills, improve social functioning, and enhance your quality of life. These interventions may involve providing support and assistance with daily living activities, vocational or educational goals, and social interactions.
Hospitalisation: In some cases, hospitalisation may be necessary, particularly if the person with psychosis is in crisis or at risk of harm to themselves or others. Hospitalisation can provide a safe and supportive environment for stabilisation and intensive treatment.
Lifestyle changes: Making positive lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, improving sleep habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding substance abuse, can also be beneficial in managing psychosis and supporting overall mental health.
It's important to note that the treatment approach for psychosis may vary depending on your needs, and a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. It's also crucial to have a supportive network of family and friends, and to involve caregivers or loved ones in the treatment process for ongoing support.
Our support team can help you in your everyday life to experience a greater quality of life by ensuring you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals, attending appointments, keeping yourself and home clean and hygienic, as well as accessing the community and rebuilding interpersonal skills.
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