Acute Psychosis

A once-normal life can be turned upside down as thoughts and feelings begin to distort. The familiar world becomes a strange and frightening place. This is what people experiencing acute psychosis face, and the severity of the illness affects every aspect of their lives, from work to school and relationships. Understanding the signs and seeking prompt psychosis treatment can be the first step towards recovery.

What is an Acute Psychosis? 

Acute psychosis is a condition where a person has a rapid and severe loss of contact with reality, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. Symptoms can emerge quickly, often within a few days or even hours, and can significantly impair a person’s ability to control their behavior, thoughts, and perceptions.

Types of Psychosis

While the specific experience can differ from person to person, several conditions are characterized by psychotic symptoms.

1. Schizophrenia

Often thought of as the most common psychotic disorder, schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking that can make it difficult to function. Understanding schizophrenia symptoms is key, as they significantly alter a person’s perception of reality.

2. Depression with Psychotic Features

This type of psychosis occurs in individuals with major depressive disorder who also experience delusions and/or hallucinations. The psychotic symptoms often align with the depressed mood, such as feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

3. Schizoaffective Disorder

People with schizoaffective disorder exhibit a combination of symptoms from both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or depression. This can lead to a blend of psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, along with episodes of mania or severe depression.

4. Postpartum Psychosis

A rare and severe mental health emergency, postpartum psychosis typically occurs within the first few weeks after a woman gives birth. It includes symptoms of psychosis alongside severe mood swings, which can pose a risk to both the mother and the baby.

Symptoms of Acute Psychosis

The symptoms of acute psychosis are unique to each individual, but they generally fall into a few key categories that represent a departure from reality.

1. Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs that a person holds firmly, even when there is clear evidence that they are untrue. A person might believe they are being stalked or that they have special powers.

2. Disorganized Thinking

This symptom manifests as confused and disrupted thought patterns. A person may speak in a way that is hard to follow, jumping from one unrelated topic to another or speaking in a way that is incoherent.

3. Hallucinations

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not real. This can involve seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that do not exist. A common example is hearing voices that nobody else can hear.

4. Mood and Behavior Changes

Individuals may experience rapid and severe shifts in mood, from extreme sadness to elevated or manic feelings. Their behavior may also become erratic or unpredictable.

5. Disorganized Behavior

This can include unusual body movements, actions that have no clear purpose, or a sudden decline in personal hygiene and self-care.

Causes of Acute Psychosis 

Acute psychosis can be triggered by a number of factors that affect the brain and mind.

• Chemical Imbalances: An imbalance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
• Traumatic Events: Severe stress from a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or a divorce.
• Brain Conditions: Infections, head injuries, or physical conditions like tumors or stroke that directly affect brain function.
• Substance Misuse: The use of recreational drugs or alcohol.

Acute Psychosis Treatment

Treatment for acute psychosis is personalized and typically involves a combination of therapies to manage symptoms and address the underlying cause.

• Medication: Antipsychotic drugs are commonly used to help control hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings. A psychiatrist will select the most appropriate medication based on the individual’s symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people learn to cope with and manage abnormal thoughts and emotions.
• Inpatient Care: In severe cases, inpatient treatment in a hospital may be necessary to ensure the person’s safety and provide stabilization.

Psychosis vs. Psychopath

The terms “psychosis” and “psychopath” are often confused but refer to very different conditions.

• Psychosis: A collection of acute, short-term symptoms where a person loses contact with reality. It is often treatable, with many people making a full recovery.
• Psychopath: A person with an antisocial personality disorder. This is a long-term condition characterized by a lack of empathy and a disregard for the feelings and rights of others.

When to See a Doctor

Acute psychosis is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. If you or someone you know is exhibiting suspicious symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help immediately. A qualified medical provider can make a proper diagnosis and recommend the right course of treatment.

Empowering Mental Health Recovery

Finding effective mental health treatment can give people living with psychotic disorders a new lease on life. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are vital for reducing the severity of symptoms and helping individuals regain a better quality of life. For those in Bangkok seeking specialized care, seeking help from a reputable provider like Bangkok Mental Health Hospital can provide the support and guidance needed for recovery.

Contact Bangkok Mental Health Hospital today.

• Phone: 02-589-1889
• Line: @bmhh
• Mail: [email protected]
• Location: Bangkok Mental Health Hospital

Article by

Nongnaphat Wanussakul,M.D.
Adult Psychiatry
Bangkok Mental Health Hospital (BMHH)