Is a general term to describe a mental health problem in which a person has lost some contact with reality. There are severe disturbances in thinking, emotions and behavior.
Psychosis can severely disrupt ones personal life, relationships, work and other daily activities.
It is difficult to tell the difference between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as person may have symptoms of both illnesses. A person with Schizoaffective disorder has symptoms of psychosis and depression but does not meet the criteria of bipolar disorder.
The disorder in which psychosis is most commonly a feature is schizophrenia. Symptoms include- Delusions, Hallucinations, Thinking difficulty, a loss of drive, blunted or inapropriate emotions and Social withdrawal or self isolation.
A person with psychotic depression will also experience delusions and hallucinations. Depression experienced by a person with bipolar disorder has some or all of symptoms of depression.
This is apsychosis that is caused by intoxication with drugs or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Symptoms appear quick and last a short time (few hours to few days) untill effect of drug wears off.
Depression inappropriate emotion, anxiety, irritability, suspiciousness, reduced energy and motivation.
Difficulty in concentration or paying attention, sense of alteration of thoughts (e.g. feeling that self or others have changed or are acting different).
sleep disturbance, social isolation, or withdrawal, reduced ability to carry out daily tasks or social roles.
The following are the most significant causes for psychotic disorders
For someone with a parent or sibling with Schizophrenia there is a 10-15% risk one may develop schizophrenia. However there is an 85-90% chance that one may not develop it.
People who are born and brought up in urban areas have a higher risk than people from rural areas. Reasons for this can be social stressors, cannabis use or difference in health of mothers during pregnancy.
Cannabis use during adolescence increases the risk of developing schizophrenia especially in people who have other risk factors.
Immigrants have increased risk of schizophrenia, due to social stressors, feeling like an outsider can be a factor.
Males are more likely to develop schizophrenia as opposed to females.
Social stress can trigger the onset of psychotic episodes.
Avoid use of alcohol and drugs.
Use of prescribed medication.
Seek professional help.
Avoid negative influences.
Try be active, exercise or do something you love.
Try spend time with people even though you feel irritated . Confide with a trusted friend or loved one. Avoid isolation.
Postpone and try not making important decisions like getting married or divorced or changing or quitting jobs.
Be patient, and expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.
When you find someone you know or is close to you experiencing depression, the three most important things that you can offer them is love, support and a gentle but firm push towards proper professional help.