Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where a person is unable to distinguish between what is real and what is not. A person with Psychosis may experience symptoms such as hallucination where they hear voices others dont hear or see things that are not there.
Psychosis Psychosis (and related disorders such as Schizophrenia) is a serious mental health condition that affects about 3% of the population. It is a condition where a person is unable to distinguish what is real and what is not.
Symptoms
They may experience symptoms such as hallucinations where they hear voices that others don’t hear or see things that are not there. They may also have unusual ideas or beliefs, odd behaviours, anxiety and depressed mood.
Causes
Usually genes and other biological factors affect the way the brain functions and this affects the person’s sleep, physical state, thoughts, perceptions and feelings. The psychosis itself may occur when the person is under acute stress such as losing a job, having a relationship break-up or a financial crisis.
Treatment
The most important thing is for the person to get help early. The condition is treatable and much of the accompanying distress can be avoided if they or people close to them can spot these signs and get them psychiatric help quickly.
At Psynaptica, our psychologist can help with diagnosis and work with a psychiatrist in providing treatment. Psychotherapy for psychosis will involve psycho-education about psychosis as well as medication, improve adherence to medication and build cognitive, emotional and social skills. At Psynaptica, we also believe in working closely with the family to help family members cope and provide adequate support for the person with psychosis.