What is psychosis?
Psychosis can happen to anyone.
Psychosis is not a diagnosis. Rather, psychosis is a set of symptoms that can be part of a mental health or medical condition or occur due to extreme stress. Someone experiencing distress or challenges in their daily life due to psychosis might have a psychotic disorder. They might feel like their mind is “playing tricks” on them. They may struggle to tell the difference between their own thoughts and perceptions, and what is happening in the world around them. A person may have trouble organizing their thoughts, develop unusual ideas, and begin to hear or see things that others don’t perceive.
Although these experiences feel very real to the person going through them, other people in their social circles do not experience them the same way.
Psychosis is more common than people think. As many as 3 in 100 people will experience psychosis in their lifetime.1 For most people, psychotic symptoms will come on gradually. They may follow a period of depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep deprivation, or substance use. In rarer cases, psychosis can have a more sudden onset. For those in the early stages of a psychotic illness, changes like isolation, acting oddly, struggling at school or work, and changes to sleep schedules are important signs. When several signs or symptoms occur together, it’s important to connect with a qualified mental health professional.
Washington state has invested in First Episode Psychosis teams that specialize in the treatment of psychotic illnesses. You're not alone, and help is available.
Getting support early makes a big difference.
Increased social connection
Increased life satisfaction
Increased school and job stability
Lower risk of suicide
Decreased need for hospitalization
Reduced family and social distress
Signs, symptoms, and myths
Early signs
The early signs of psychosis may be subtle. Each person’s experience will differ. Here are some things to look for:
Psychosis symptoms
During an episode of psychosis, a person experiences symptoms that may be distressing or confusing:
Recovery
Psychosis is treatable and early treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Roughly one third of people who experience a First Episode of Psychosis will not experience a subsequent episode. Roughly half will experience at least one additional episode, but will be able to manage their symptoms.2 Getting support for early psychosis through a multidisciplinary care team helps people live the lives they want with confidence.
Get started with treatment
Common myths about psychosis
Myth:
Psychosis is “just a phase.”
Fact:
Psychosis can be temporary but can also be distressing and may benefit from the support of a team of personal connections (like caregivers and close friends) as well as a team of mental healthcare professionals. Some people will benefit from follow-along care by a psychosis specialty care team.
Myth:
Psychosis is caused by bad choices or bad parenting.
Fact:
This myth causes a lot of harm to people and families who are doing their best to navigate psychosis. Anyone can develop psychosis regardless of their upbringing or the decisions they’ve made in their life.
Myth:
Experiencing psychosis means you are dangerous.
Fact:
Most people who experience psychosis do not act aggressively towards others. People with psychosis are more likely to cause harm to themselves rather than others. Risk of harm is best assessed and managed by a mental health team.3
Myth:
Psychosis is a lifelong condition.
Fact:
Psychotic disorders are treatable. They may be episodic or long-term, but even if a person experiences lifelong symptoms, they can live a full, meaningful life. Early support is key to improving outcomes. Read more about approaches to treatment and what you can expect from recovery here.
3 Appleby et al., 2001; Hiday et al., 1999
What causes psychosis?
There is no single root cause of psychosis. Research has shown that psychosis may result from a combination of genetics, differences in neurological development, and exposure to stressors or trauma. Psychosis may also be a symptom of other mental disorders, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Sleep deprivation, certain toxins, and substance abuse may also lead to symptoms of psychosis.
We’re lighting the path to early psychosis care.
Get in touch
For questions about early psychosis care in Washington, email wa-ceep@uw.edu.
© Washington State Center of Excellence in Early Psychosis