Overview

A “psychotic disorder” is an umbrella term to describe multiple types of mental health conditions that involve a phenomenon called psychosis. Psychosis itself is characterized by an impaired relationship with reality, often including confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. It’s estimated that 3 in every 100 people will experience psychosis at some point during their lives.

It’s important to note that psychosis is not present in all mental health disorders, and the symptoms vary greatly by individual. The term “psychotic disorder” tends to be used by some mental health professionals, but isn’t always socially acceptable because of stigmas attached to it.

Symptoms

The symptoms of psychosis can vary between mental health disorders, but below are some possible signs:

Ø  concentration difficulties

Ø  brain fog

Ø  increased anxiety or agitation

Ø  loss of interest or joy in your normal activities

Ø  increased or decreased appetite

Ø  hallucinations, where you hear or see things that seem real to you

Ø  social withdrawal

Ø  neglected personal hygiene

Ø  holding strong beliefs that aren’t actually true

Ø  paranoia over people and situations around you

Causes

There’s no one cause of psychosis. Genetics and brain chemical changes are strong links. Traumatic events, substance use, and underlying health conditions can sometimes lead to changes in the way your brain works.

Past research Trusted Source has indicated that dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate disruptions in the brain may cause certain psychotic disorders. However, there’s not enough evidence to associate any one neurotransmitter disruption with psychosis.

Treatments

Psychotic disorders are most effectively treated with a combination of medications and therapies. A psychiatrist can help you determine what your needs are based on the severity of your condition.

Medication

Antipsychotic medications are among the first lines of treatment for psychosis. These help to block serotonin or dopamine receptors in your brain to prevent hallucinations and delusions. However, antipsychotics may not be appropriate for substance use-related psychosis. This largely depends on the substance used. Low-dose benzodiazepines, a class of tranquilizers, may work best for catatonia. Your doctor may also recommend electroconvulsive therapy in some cases. If you have a mood disorder, your doctor may also recommend antidepressants. These help to improve depression-related symptoms, such as sadness and hopelessness.

Therapy

Different forms of therapy are used in the treatment of psychosis:

Ø    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be particularly helpful by changing the thought patterns that can lead to delusions and hallucinations.

Ø    Individual talk therapy may also help you work through your feelings, which can be useful in treating instances of trauma.

Ø    Psychoanalytic therapy can have a significant impact on the functioning of people with psychosis.

Ø    Some people also find group or family therapies helpful in psychosis management.

Ø    Social rehabilitation can be especially helpful for loved ones who have isolated themselves due to their symptoms.

Can home remedies help?

While home remedies continue to be a trending topic in all aspects of health, it’s important not to trade in proven medications and therapies for natural versions. At the same time, lifestyle measures will certainly help your overall mental health, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s important to discuss the use of any herbs or supplements with your doctor. This includes fish oil.

While there’s some clinical evidence Trusted Source that shows the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may support brain health and subsequent mental illnesses, more research needs to be done to conclude whether taking fish oil — and how much — can effectively treat mental health disorders. Not all studies support the use of omega-3 fatty acids for psychosis and other mental health conditions.

In children

Psychosis tends to first develop during the adolescent years. It sometimes shows up during early adulthood, too. If you have a family history of mental health disorders with psychosis, it’s important to pay special attention to the possibility of symptoms developing in your children. Hallucinations are common in children experiencing psychosis.

Another early sign is that your child suddenly loses interest in the activities they usually enjoy. They might also withdraw from their friend groups and have difficulties with school. Treatment for psychosis in children focuses more on therapies than medications. CBT, for example, may help correct thinking patterns early on in an effort to prevent hallucinations and delusions.

Antipsychotic medications may be used as a last resort, but at low doses only. Side effects of these drugs in children may include:

Ø  drowsiness

Ø  blurry vision

Ø  congestion

Ø  weight gain

When to see a doctor

Given the complexity of psychosis, it’s not advised to self-diagnose and treat it on your own. You can, however, make note of your symptoms to determine when it’s time to seek help from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

If you suspect symptoms of psychosis, and if these are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, consider seeking professional advice. Your primary care doctor is a starting point for recommendations.

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