Recognizing Psychosis Symptoms: A Quick Guide

Psychosis is a medical term used to describe a condition where someone has a “break” with reality by showing psychosis symptoms. Some people suffer a brief psychotic episode only occasionally while others battle with this mental health disease on a daily basis. In this article we’ll look at what psychosis looks like when it goes untreated. We’ll also consider what the early warning signs are to recognize psychosis and why it’s so important to reach out for early intervention once they are displayed.

Recognizing Psychosis Symptoms

There is not a single symptom a person will exhibit that would immediately lead to them being diagnosed with psychosis. Instead, there are a series of psychosis symptoms that can help medical professionals recognize if a person is suffering from this condition. 

Psychosis Symptoms

  • Find it hard to tell what’s real and what is not
  • Hallucinating
  • Behavior that’s not appropriate to the situation they are in
  • Hearing voices
  • Seeing things other people do not

These symptoms can be brought about by many different conditions. Depression, stress, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, trauma, and drug/alcohol use are all known to have the potential to lead to psychosis. 

Early Intervention

Medical professionals have found that the longer a person with psychosis remains untreated, the stronger their symptoms will become. Not only that, but patients who received early intervention had fewer psychosis-related hospital stays and were more active and involved in school and work. The help they need can come from a medical team that might include:

  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Social workers
  • Vocational coaches
  • Peer mentors

Standard treatment methods for psychosis may include medication and psychotherapy (and often a combination of the two). While early intervention is key to long-term treatment success, it can be difficult for some people to accept help, especially given the symptoms of psychosis. 

Early Warning Signs of Psychosis

It’s important to remember that every person experiences this disease in a different way, which is why it is so important to speak to a medical professional as soon as you notice any of the early warning signs. Acting on the early warning signs can help health care providers determine whether a patient is suffering the start of a psychotic episode or if they are experiencing a different form of mental illness.

Warning Signs of Psychosis

  • Strong feelings of suspicion
  • Spending more and more time alone
  • Trouble communicating
  • Making statements that don’t make sense
  • Stop taking care of themselves
  • Can’t recall things
  • Easily distracted
  • Not blinking at all OR blinking constantly
  • Easily agitated

What Can You Do?

It is estimated that between 15 to 100 people out of every 10,000 develop some form of psychosis each year. Remember if this is you or someone you know, there is hope, and seeking help is the first step toward a brighter future. If you believe someone you know is displaying early warning signs of psychosis symptoms call 1-888-537-4229 or contact us at Linder Center of HOPE.