Psychosis Definition
Psychosis is a condition in which the sufferer has difficulty distinguishing reality and imagination. Symptoms that appear in people with psychosis in the form of delusions, and hallucinations. For example, a psychosis sufferer would have the presumption that he is a secret agent of the state, but in fact does not, or hear people’s voices speak even if no one speaks.
Treatment of psychosis can be done by drug administration and psychotherapy. If not treated appropriately and promptly, this condition can have an impact on the patient’s ability to live socially.
Psychosis Causes
The exact cause of psychosis is not yet known. Having a poor sleep pattern, consuming alco**hol or using mari**juana, and experiencing trauma from losing a loved one, such as a parent or partner, can be a trigger for the appearance of this condition.
Psychosis can also be triggered by conditions that occur due to brain disorders, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Brain tumors or cysts
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Infections that attack the brain, such as HIV and syphilis.
In other cases, psychosis can appear as a symptom of a disease. The diseases include:
- Schizophrenia
- Severe depression
- Bipolar disorder.
Psychosis Symptoms
A person with psychosis will usually have symptoms that include:
- The hallucinations, which is a condition characterized by the presence of a perception felt in the absence of real stimuli to the five senses. This includes vision, hearing, smell, and tactileness. For example, people feel like they see a figure or hear an unreal voice.
- Delusion is a belief held by the person, but that belief is wrong. For example, a person feels himself to be a flying superhuman.
- Excessive anxiety.
- Full of suspicion.
- It’s hard to concentrate.
- Experiencing mood disorders.
- Tend to be moody, withdraw from the environment of family or friends.
- Sleep constantly.
- Depression.
- Speech disorders, such as being out of focus, move from one topic to another, and are often unconnected.
- Have sui**cidal thoughts and commit attempted sui**cide.
Psychosis Diagnosis
Diagnosis of psychosis can be determined from doctor–patient medical discussions and a complete psychiatric evaluation. This examination is done by the doctor by observing the behavior of the individual concerned and asking questions about the things experienced.
Certain supporting examinations can also be performed to determine if there are other health problems that are the cause of the signs of psychosis.
Trace the patient history
The doctor will ask you some questions about the patient’s symptoms, behavior, and feelings. Information about the patient’s medical history, family and cultural background will also be analyzed.
Because, one’s culture reflects a series of beliefs, values, and practices embraced. Delusional thoughts and hallucinations should be considered in a specific cultural context. Being considered delusional in one culture may be normal in another.
Physical and mental examination
The doctor will physically examine the patient through blood pressure conditions, patient movement patterns and other signs. The doctor will also examine the patient’s illnesses that may cause psychosis. Meanwhile, for mental examination, the doctor will observe the patient from his health history, general behavior, mood, speech and thinking process of the patient.
Laboratory tests
When the signs and symptoms of psychosis of the patient show triggers in the form of certain medical conditions, laboratory tests that can be performed, among others:
- Complete blood count
- Thyroid function test
- Urine test
- Measurement of parathyroid hormone
- Measurement of calcium, vitamin B12, folate and niacin levels
- HIV and syphilis testing.
- Antibody test.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests on parts of the brain using MRI usually perform for psychosis patients who complain of severe headaches or have recently experienced a hard impact on the head.
Psychosis Treatment
Treatment of psychosis involves a combination of treatment and therapy. Most individuals will experience improved conditions through drug therapy.
Some types of treatment that can be done are:
Quick treatment.
Some psychosis sufferers may experience agitation and are at high risk of self-harm or others. In such conditions, it is very important to calm the sufferer quickly. The doctor can provide treatment by injection so that the patient is immediately in a calmer condition.
Drug therapy.
Psychosis sufferers can show a good response to antipsychotic treatment. This treatment aims to reduce hallucinations and delusions to help sufferers to think more clearly.
The type of treatment prescribed by the doctor depends on the symptoms experienced. In some cases, it only takes anti-psychotic consumption for a short period of time to control symptoms. However, in psychosis due to schizophrenia, treatment is generally done for the long term.
Cognitive behavioral therapy.
This cognitive behavioral therapy involves regular meetings with a doctor or psychologist with the aim of changing the mindset and behavior of the patient.
This approach is proven to be effective in helping a person with psychosis to undergo permanent changes and more effectively address the problem. This therapy is effective for psychotic symptoms that cannot be fully addressed through medications.
Thank you very much for reading Psychosis Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, hopefully useful.
