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What Is the Average
Length of Treatment for
Psychosis?

People experiencing psychosis are vulnerable to hallucinations and delusions, which can affect their relationship, their stability, and even their safety. That is why treatment is so important, as the right psychosis treatment can alleviate ill-effects and help a person establish a baseline of mental health.

Psychosis treatment can take some time before it begins to work. However, patients must stick to their treatment regimen to ensure they advance in their recovery and exert fuller control over their mental health condition.

Treatment Duration Varies When It Comes to Psychosis

Psychosis is typically treated with the following approaches:

  • Medication
  • Therapy
  • Inpatient rehabilitation
  • Outpatient support programs

When it comes to the first episode of psychosis, it can take a person several months before they recover. During this time, it is likely that the person will receive a combination of the above treatments.

With antipsychotic medications, a person may experience an improvement in symptoms within a few hours or over the course of days. However, these medications take time to work. While it depends on the medication, it usually takes from four to six weeks before antipsychotic drugs have their full therapeutic effect.

Why Some People Are Reluctant to Receive Treatment

Anosognosia is a symptom of psychosis that makes it difficult for people to seek out and stick with treatment. With anosognosia, it can be hard for a person to recognize that they are experiencing psychosis, which makes them hesitant to accept treatment that they believe is not necessary.

This highlights the importance of having a solid support system when experiencing psychosis. Your support system can identify when symptoms are occurring and encourage you to follow up with your doctor. Also, it is important for people at risk of psychosis to follow their treatment plans explicitly. Doing so can prevent future episodes from occurring.

 
 
 

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