What Is Psychosis? An Introduction to the Psychotic Mood Disorder

A psychotic mood disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality. This means that a person with psychosis may see or hear things that aren't there, or may believe things that aren't true.

This illness can be very distressing and frightening for both the person who is experiencing it and for their loved ones. If you are worried that someone you know may be suffering from psychosis, it's important to understand the symptoms and how to get help.

Also read: What To Expect From a Psychiatric Consultation

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can make it difficult for people to tell the difference between what is real and what is not. Psychosis can cause a person to have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are not true).

Bipolar psychosis is a type of psychosis that is associated with bipolar disorder. It can cause people to experience mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions. Apathy is a common symptom of psychosis. It can cause people to feel detached from their emotions and surroundings, and they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Who Is at Risk of Psychosis?

Some people are more at risk of psychosis than others.

Risk factors for psychosis include a family history of mental illness, drug abuse, stressful life events, and being in a high-stress environment. Some illnesses, like bipolar disorder, can also increase the risk of psychosis. People who have had a traumatic experience, such as abuse or a natural disaster, are also at increased risk.

If you have any of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will develop psychosis. But it is important to be aware of the risks and to get help if you are having any symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor right away: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, social withdrawal, extreme mood swings, and apathy.

Types of Psychotic Mood Disorders

Schizophrenia: The illness is characterized by changes in behaviour and other symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, that last longer than six months. 

Schizoaffective disorder: This disorder combines the symptoms of schizophrenia with a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Schizophreniform disorder: This includes symptoms of schizophrenia, but the symptoms last for a shorter time: between 1 and 6 months. 

Brief psychotic disorder: People with this illness have a sudden, short period of psychotic behaviour, often after experiencing a very stressful event such as a death in the family. Recovery is often quick, usually less than a month. 

Delusional disorder: The key symptom is having a delusion (a false, fixed belief) involving a real-life situation that could be true but isn't, such as being followed, being plotted against, or having a disease. The delusion lasts for at least 1 month. 

Shared psychotic disorder (also called folie à deux): When one person in a relationship has a delusion and the other person also adopts it.

Substance-induced psychotic disorder: This condition is caused by the use of or withdrawal from drugs, such as hallucinogens and cocaine, that cause hallucinations, delusions, or confused speech. 

Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition: Hallucinations, delusions, or other symptoms may happen because of another illness that affects brain function, such as a head injury or brain tumour.

Symptoms of Psychotic Mood Disorder

There are many different symptoms that can indicate a psychotic mood disorder. Hallucinations and delusions are two of the most common, although people with psychosis can experience a wide range of symptoms.

Other symptoms of psychosis can include:

• Disorganized or confused thinking

• Strange or unusual behaviour

• Difficulty communicating

• Inability to care for oneself

• Suspiciousness or paranoia

• Hallucinations can be auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile.

People with psychosis may see, hear, or smell things that are not really there. They may also have delusions, which are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, a person with psychosis may believe that they are being watched or followed, even when there is no evidence to support this belief.

Delusions can be very persuasive, and people with psychosis may be unable to think clearly or make decisions. As a result, they may become isolated and withdrawn from friends and family. In some cases, people with psychosis may become violent.

For example, you may hear voices that no one else can hear, see things that aren't there, or believe things that aren't true. You may also feel very paranoid and like everyone is out to get you. Additionally, people with psychosis may experience a lack of emotion or apathy towards things that used to matter to them.

Bipolar Psychosis

Bipolar psychosis is a condition that can occur in people who have bipolar disorder. It's a type of mental illness that causes a person to lose touch with reality. This can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and – in rare cases – catatonia. Bipolar psychosis can be extremely debilitating, making it hard for a person to function in their everyday life. It can also be dangerous, as a person may act on delusions or hallucinations.

People with bipolar psychosis may experience symptoms such as apathy, social withdrawal, changes in personality, and paranoia. It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, as they can be very dangerous and may lead to self-harm or suicide.

Treatments for Psychotic Mood Disorder

There are a number of effective treatments for psychotic mood disorders, but it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Treatment usually includes a combination of medication and therapy.

Medication can help to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, and therapy can help you learn how to cope with your condition and manage your moods. Medication is often prescribed to help manage psychotic symptoms. This could include antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, or mood stabilisers. You may also be prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

There are a number of different therapies that may be effective, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

CBT is a type of therapy that helps you identify and change negative patterns of thinking or behaviour. It's based on the idea that your thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected. CBT works by helping people understand how their thoughts lead to certain emotions and behaviours. By identifying these connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviour we can change how we react to different situations. 

Your psychiatrist may also use techniques like Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in order to help you identify the emotional triggers and develop strategies for addressing those problems in a healthy way. 

Also read: What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is dealing with psychosis, it's important to seek professional help. Psychosis is a serious mental illness that can be incredibly debilitating.

If you're struggling with psychosis, it's important to get help from a mental health professional. Don't try to cope with it on your own—psychosis can be very debilitating and can significantly impair your quality of life. There is no shame in seeking help, and with the right treatment, you can manage your condition and live a happy and productive life.