Psychosis treatment can help

This diagnosis is a symptom, not an illness. And there are many different illnesses can cause it. In fact, the most common reason someone experiences psychosis is not actually schizophrenia. It’s much more common than it is coming up alongside depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma. Medical illnesses can also cause this. And treating the primary cause can often greatly help with the negative symptoms. Further, a psychiatrist or other psychiatric provider can help diagnose the condition to figure out the best treatment approach with a psychological consultation.

Not necessarily. Many of our patients experience psychosis alongside certain symptoms. And when those symptoms are treated, the psychosis is also fully treated. For others where psychosis is the primary symptom, even with treatment, it might still remain mildly present but may end up being more in the “background” of one’s thoughts, not necessarily affecting daily life.

Yes, yes, and yes!!! Many people, including healthcare professionals, mistakenly believe that psychosis cannot be fully treated. However, many practices around the world, including our New York City-based practice, successfully treat psychosis. The key is to first believe that it can be treated. Then, work with a therapist or psychiatrist diligently until we have fully treated it. In fact, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Typically, there will be early warning signs before someone actually develops psychosis. For example, some of these signs include a drop in performance, new troubles thinking clearly, paranoia, social withdrawal, and unusual or intense new ideas. Further, you may experience a lack of feeling, a decline in self-care or hygiene, difficulty distinguishing reality, confused speech, or trouble communicating. However, having any one of these signs may not be anything significant by itself. But if you’re noticing multiple signs together at one time, you should consult a psychiatrist or other psychiatric provider. Early treatment sets you up for recovery.

There is a lot of stigma surrounding psychosis. So, people frequently feel its onset means the end to one’s life as they know it. However, with treatment, people live “normal” lives and are able to resume their daily activities. In fact, many of our clients that have experienced psychosis have completed college, have good jobs, and are in fulfilling relationships.

This diagnosis predominantly affects cognition, which is the way the brain perceives, emits, functions, or processes. So, when these areas are affected, it makes sense that you may feel “slowed” or “not as sharp.” Many people feel that their memory is worse, or that they just can’t focus anymore. Others describe persistent brain fog. Luckily, these symptoms improve once psychosis is treated.