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What Is Psychosis?

It’s very hard for family members to recognize the signs of psychosis in their loved ones. Learn about the telling signs of Psychosis.

A term often used improperly, psychosis is not a mental health disease itself but rather a collection of symptoms that make it hard for a person to understand what is real and what is not. 

If you believe your family member may be dealing with psychosis, either on a constant basis or during an acute event, we strongly encourage you to reach out to Willow Creek Behavioral Health for the guidance you need.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a set of symptoms that impact how a person thinks, as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes. The distinguishing factor of psychosis is that there is some loss of contact with reality. During an episode, for example, a person is unable to tell if the way they are thinking or acting is based on a real threat or not.

Psychosis can be a mental health emergency. There is no way for a person to “snap out of it” or “just listen to you.” As a result, it is critical for family members to take steps to provide immediate help. If you feel your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also call Willow Creek Behavioral Health for a mental health assessment in a non-emergency situation.

Who Is At Risk for Developing Psychosis?

The NIMH estimates that between 15 and 100 people out of every 100,000 develop this condition each year. It can happen to any person experiencing a mental health emergency. However, it often occurs in young adulthood, in an older teen or a person in their mid-20s. It is possible for children to experience psychosis, and adults can, as well.

Know the Signs of Psychosis

It’s very hard for family members to recognize the signs of psychosis in their loved ones. Look for immediate signs of a need for help, including:

  • Experiencing delusions
  • Having false beliefs that are clearly not realistic
  • Making out-of-this-world claims, such as scenarios that seem very far-fetched
  • Having hallucinations, including seeing or hearing people who are not there
  • Talking using incoherent words or sentences
  • Engaging in nonsense speech and behavior that seems out of place

While these signs of psychosis warrant immediate help and a call to the emergency providers, most people will experience early warning signs. These signs often occur in the days and weeks leading up to a more serious event. You may notice changes in a person’s behavior, such as:

  • Being intensely suspicious, feeling paranoid, or being uneasy
  • Not providing self-care or maintaining personal hygiene
  • Difficulty thinking clearly and logically
  • Intense or unusual feelings or a lack of feeling
  • Withdrawing from social situations
  • Inability to tell what is really happening and what is not
  • A drop in grades
  • Difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings

Take action if you notice these signs in your family member or close friend. If you believe they are a danger to themselves or others, call 911 or go to the ER. In less critical situations, we encourage you to seek out an assessment for treatment

Causes of Psychosis Are Numerous

One of the most important factors to consider if you believe your loved one is facing mental health challenges is that most symptoms come from an underlying cause. Some examples include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Delusional disorder
  • Dementia
  • Hormone-related conditions like Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease
  • Physical illness, especially related to infections of the spinal cord or brain
  • Conditions like MS, Lyme disease, and lupus

How to Get Help for Your Loved One’s Mental Health Needs

With a focus on providing our patients with compassionate care, Willow Creek Behavioral Health offers strategies to help those experiencing psychosis find relief. 

We offer inpatient care programs for those who are facing a time of crisis. This includes around-the-clock care to help create a safe environment. We provide specialized care for children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Contact Us Today for the Help of Our Team

At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we provide exceptional treatment for patients facing difficult situations, including the onset of psychosis. Treatment is effective. Reach out to us now to learn what we can do to support you through these challenging times. 

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