Psychosis can be a frightening and confusing experience—not only for the person experiencing it, but also for their family and loved ones.

The term psychosis describes a group of symptoms that can affect how a person perceives reality. Someone experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not.

Psychosis is not a diagnosis by itself. It can occur in connection with several mental health conditions, medical conditions, medications, or substance use.

Understanding the symptoms and seeking professional help can be important steps toward appropriate treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Psychosis?

Psychosis can affect thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behavior.

Common symptoms may include:

Hallucinations

Hallucinations involve experiencing sensations that do not have an external source.

A person may:

  • Hear voices or sounds others cannot hear
  • See things others do not see
  • Feel sensations that aren't caused by something physically present
  • Experience unusual smells or tastes

Hearing voices is one of the more commonly recognized forms of hallucination, but hallucinations can involve any of the senses.

Delusions

Delusions are strongly held beliefs that are not consistent with available evidence or the beliefs of others in the person's cultural or social context.

For example, a person may become convinced that someone is secretly watching them or trying to harm them despite a lack of evidence.

For the person experiencing the belief, it can feel completely real.

Disorganized Thinking or Speech

A person experiencing psychosis may have difficulty organizing their thoughts.

Their speech may become difficult for others to follow, or they may move quickly between unrelated ideas.

Changes in Behavior

Psychosis can also lead to noticeable changes in behavior.

Someone may become increasingly withdrawn, confused, agitated, suspicious, or have difficulty managing everyday activities.

What Causes Psychosis?

Psychosis can occur for many different reasons.

Possible causes or contributing factors include:

  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Severe depression
  • Certain medical or neurological conditions
  • Substance use
  • Medication effects
  • Severe sleep deprivation
  • Other psychiatric or medical conditions

Because there are many possible causes, professional evaluation is important.

Psychosis Doesn't Automatically Mean Schizophrenia

One common misconception is that experiencing psychosis automatically means someone has schizophrenia.

That isn't necessarily the case.

Psychotic symptoms can occur in several different conditions, and the diagnosis depends on the person's symptoms, history, duration of symptoms, and other clinical factors.

A qualified professional can help determine what may be contributing to the experience.

What Happens During a Psychiatric Evaluation?

A mental health professional may ask about:

  • Current symptoms
  • When the symptoms began
  • Changes in thoughts or behavior
  • Sleep patterns
  • Mood symptoms
  • Medical history
  • Current medications
  • Substance use
  • Previous psychiatric history
  • Family mental health history

The goal is to understand the broader picture and determine what evaluation and treatment may be appropriate.

How Is Psychosis Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Depending on the individual's circumstances, treatment may involve:

  • Antipsychotic medication
  • Treatment of an underlying medical or psychiatric condition
  • Medication management
  • Psychosocial support
  • Family education and support
  • Coordination with other healthcare professionals

Early professional intervention can be important, particularly when symptoms are significantly affecting a person's ability to function or remain safe.

How Can Loved Ones Help?

If someone you care about appears to be experiencing psychosis, arguing about their beliefs may not be helpful.

Instead:

  • Remain calm
  • Listen without reinforcing unusual beliefs
  • Avoid confrontation
  • Encourage professional help
  • Pay attention to immediate safety concerns
  • Seek emergency assistance if there is an immediate danger

Psychosis can affect a person's ability to accurately interpret what is happening around them, so patience and a calm approach can be important.

When Is Immediate Help Needed?

Psychosis can sometimes involve significant confusion, severe agitation, inability to care for oneself, or thoughts of harming oneself or others.

If someone is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or appears unable to remain safe, seek emergency assistance immediately.

In the United States, you can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when appropriate.

There Is a Path to Treatment

Experiencing psychosis does not mean a person is beyond help.

With appropriate evaluation and treatment, many people can receive support for psychotic symptoms and work toward improved functioning and stability.

The first step is often recognizing that something has changed and seeking professional guidance.

Nizhoni Mind Psychiatry provides expert psychiatric care from the comfort of your home through telepsychiatry in New Mexico. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms that may indicate psychosis, professional evaluation can help identify possible causes and appropriate treatment options.