Understanding Psychosis: Causes and Symptoms

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Psychosis

Psychosis refers to a severe loss of contact with reality. During a psychotic episode, you are not able to think clearly. During a psychotic episode, your responses and emotions and responses are not inappropriate and do not coincide with what is actually happening. You mayoften have false beliefs about what is happening or who you are (delusions). Y, and you may see, hear, taste, smell, or feel things that are not present (hallucinations). Psychosis is usually occurs with a severe symptom of a ve very serious mental health (psychiatric) conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. It, but it can sometimes also be the result of drug use or certaina medical conditions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Delusions. …show more content…

• Disorganized speech ( saying things that do not make sense to others).
Disorganized thinking (thoughts jump from one thought to another).
• Severe iInappropriate behavior such as talking to yourself or. intruding on people you do not know.
• Delusions may include:
○ A strong belief that is odd, unrealistic, or false.
○ Feeling extremely fearful or suspicious (paranoid).
○ Believing you are someone else, have high importance, or have an altered identity.
• Hallucinations.

DIAGNOSIS
A diagnosis of psychosis is made through an assessment by your healthcare provider. You will be asked questions about your thoughts, feelings, behavior, drug use, and medical conditions. Your healthcare provider may also perform one or more of the following:
• Mental health evaluation.
• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Computerized magnetic scanBrain imaging (CT or MRI) or • Brain wave study (EEG)other brain scans.
Your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation.

TREATMENT
Your caregiver will recommend a course of treatment that depends on the cause of yourthe psychosis.
Treatment may include one or more of the …show more content…

Therapy and other supportive programs outside of the hospital.
• Therapy and other supportive programs outside of the hospital. Treating an underlying medical condition.
If the cause of the psychosis can be treated or corrected, the outlook is good. Without treatment, psychotic episodes can cause danger to yourself or others. Treatment may be short-term or lifelong.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take all medicines as directed. This is important.
• Use a pillbox or write down your medicine schedule to make sure you are taking them.
• Check with your caregiver before using over-the-counter medicines, herbs, or supplements. • Keep all follow up appointments with your healthcare provider. This is important. Seek individual and family support through therapy and mental health education (psychoeducation) programs. These will help you manage symptoms and side effects of medicines, learn life skills, and maintain a healthy routine.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
• Exercise regularly and avoid alcohol and drugs. .
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Learn ways to reduce stress and cope with stress, such as yoga and

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