People with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia can sometimes experience states of psychosis. While these episodes can be quite troubling, and require timely intervention from medical professionals, misunderstandings abound. By increasing your understanding of psychosis, you will be better equipped to help yourself or a loved one.
What Is Psychosis?
In the simplest terms, people with psychosis experience a break from reality. In many cases, these episodes include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Delusions – Some people in psychosis may believe they are a victim of a vast conspiracy or that they are being persecuted when that is not actually true.
- Hallucinations – Hallucinations are sensations (such as sounds, smells, and sights) that are not based in reality but are perceived as being very real by the person experiencing them.
- Disordered Thinking – Disordered thinking involves rapid speech and cognition, which can often be hard for a person’s loved ones to comprehend.
In addition to schizophrenia, these symptoms can accompany conditions like depression and bipolar disorder or result from intense stress, trauma, and drug use.
Dispelling Common Myths About Psychosis
While psychosis is a very serious medical issue that requires immediate assistance, it is often subject to misrepresentation. The following are a few prevailing myths regarding psychosis and the people afflicted by psychotic disorders and mental health conditions:
- People in psychosis are a danger to others: The people most at risk when experiencing psychosis are the people experiencing it, as the condition can impede their judgement. Psychosis itself does not increase aggression.
- Experiencing psychosis makes someone a psychopath: Psychopathy is a mental health disorder related to manipulative, abusive behaviours. Psychopathy is not the same as psychosis.
- Psychotic disorders prevent people from leading normal lives: While challenging, it is possible for people who have experienced psychosis in the past to lead happy, fulfilling lives.
- It is not possible to treat psychosis/psychotic disorders: Psychosis can be effectively treated with psychiatric care, medication, and therapy in many cases.
Misconceptions about psychosis can prevent people from seeking the care they need due to the stigma associated with the condition. It can also create feelings of loneliness and isolation in those experiencing mental health issues. The more that is understood about psychosis, the easier it will be for those affected to receive the love and support they need.
