Psychosis represents a significant change in how someone perceives and interacts with the world around them. When you have psychosis, your thoughts and perceptions can change a lot. This makes it hard to tell what is real and what is not. This disconnection from reality can be deeply unsettling for both those experiencing it and their loved ones.
At Pasadena Villa, we know that understanding what psychosis is, recognizing its warning signs, and realizing that effective treatment exists can make all the difference in supporting recovery and restoring stability.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is not a specific diagnosis but rather a set of symptoms that indicate a person has lost touch with reality. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, psychosis involves significant changes in perception and thinking that affect a person’s ability to recognize what is real.
During a psychotic episode, someone may have difficulty processing information, communicating clearly, or responding appropriately to their environment. These experiences can vary widely from person to person, ranging from mild confusion to severe disruption in daily functioning.
While psychosis most commonly appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, it can emerge at any age. Early recognition and intervention significantly improve long-term outcomes, making awareness of psychosis symptoms essential.
Common Psychosis Symptoms
Psychosis symptoms generally fall into two main categories — hallucinations and delusions.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations involve sensing things that aren’t actually present. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that hallucinations can affect any of the five senses:
- Auditory hallucinations – Hearing voices or sounds that others don’t hear, which is the most common type
- Visual hallucinations – Seeing people, objects, or patterns that aren’t there
- Tactile hallucinations – Feeling sensations on or under the skin without a physical cause
- Olfactory hallucinations – Smelling odors that have no source
- Gustatory hallucinations – Tasting things that aren’t in your mouth
Delusions
Delusions are strongly held false beliefs that persist even when presented with evidence to the contrary. According to the American Psychiatric Association, common delusions include:
- Persecutory delusions – Believing others are trying to harm you or conspire against you
- Grandiose delusions – Having an inflated sense of importance, power, or identity
- Referential delusions – Thinking that ordinary events or objects have special personal meaning
- Somatic delusions – Believing something is physically wrong with your body despite medical evidence
Additional Warning Signs
Beyond hallucinations and delusions, psychosis often includes:
- Disorganized thinking or speech patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
- Unusual or inappropriate emotional responses
- Reduced motivation or energy
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Decline in self-care and personal hygiene
- Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns
These symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and their severity can fluctuate over time.
What Causes Psychosis?
Understanding what causes psychosis is complex because multiple factors can trigger or contribute to psychotic episodes. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies several potential causes and risk factors.
Mental Health Conditions
Psychosis is a primary symptom of several psychiatric disorders. These include:
- Schizophrenia – A chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent psychotic symptoms
- Schizoaffective disorder – Combines symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorder features
- Bipolar disorder – Can include psychotic symptoms during severe manic or depressive episodes
- Severe depression – Major depressive disorder with psychotic features involves hallucinations or delusions
Substance Use
Drug-induced psychosis is a significant concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that some substances can cause psychosis. These include stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. Hallucinogens such as LSD and PCP can also trigger psychosis. Other substances include cannabis, alcohol, and misused prescription medications.
Substance-induced psychosis may resolve once the drug leaves your system, but repeated use can increase the risk of developing a persistent psychotic disorder.
Medical Conditions
Physical health issues can also cause psychotic symptoms. The NIH notes that medical causes include:
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or brain tumors
- Autoimmune disorders affecting the brain
- Severe infections or high fevers
- Metabolic imbalances or nutritional deficiencies
- Traumatic brain injuries
Environmental + Genetic Factors
Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that genetic vulnerability combined with environmental stressors can increase psychosis risk. Factors include:
- Family history of psychotic disorders
- Childhood trauma or adverse experiences
- Extreme stress or significant life changes
- Sleep deprivation
- Social isolation
Understanding these causes helps healthcare providers develop targeted treatment approaches that address both symptoms and underlying factors.
Psychosis Treatment: A Comprehensive Approach
Effectively treating psychosis requires a coordinated, individualized approach that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term stability. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), comprehensive treatment typically includes several key components.
Medication Management
Antipsychotic medications form the foundation of psychosis treatment for many individuals. These medications help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking by regulating brain chemistry. Working closely with a psychiatrist ensures proper medication selection, dosage adjustment, and monitoring for side effects.
Doctors often prefer second-generation antipsychotics due to their effectiveness and more favorable side effect profiles, though individual responses vary considerably.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Therapeutic interventions can help develop coping strategies and address underlying issues. This may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change distorted thought patterns while developing practical coping skills
- Family therapy to educate loved ones about psychosis and improve communication and support systems
- Individual therapy provides a safe space to process experiences and work toward personal goals
Research in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates that combining medication with therapy produces better outcomes than medication alone.
Integrated Specialty Care
For individuals experiencing their first psychotic episode, coordinated specialty care programs offer integrated treatment that includes medication, therapy, case management, and support for education or employment goals. The NIH emphasizes that early intervention through these programs significantly improves long-term recovery prospects.
When substance use disorders or other mental health conditions accompany psychosis, integrated dual diagnosis treatment becomes essential. This approach addresses all conditions simultaneously rather than treating them separately, resulting in a more sustainable recovery.
Residential + Intensive Programs
For some individuals, intensive treatment settings provide the structure and support needed during acute episodes or when outpatient care isn’t sufficient. Residential programs offer 24-hour care, medication stabilization, therapeutic activities, and a safe environment for recovery.
How Pasadena Villa Supports Recovery from Psychosis
At Pasadena Villa, we understand that recovering from the symptoms of psychosis requires comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Our treatment programs address the complex relationship between mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders, providing the integrated support necessary for lasting stability.
Our residential and intensive outpatient programs offer evidence-based therapies, psychiatric care, and skill-building activities in a supportive community environment. We emphasize gradual progress, dignity, and hope throughout the recovery journey.
Here’s what others have to say: “The staff at Pasadena Villa truly cares about their clients,” a family member shared. “They took the time to understand my loved one’s needs and provided excellent support throughout treatment.” Another client reflected: “Pasadena Villa gave me the tools and support I needed when I felt completely lost.”
Finding Support for Psychosis
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, reaching out for help is a sign of strength and the first step toward clarity and stability. Our dedicated admissions team is here to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and help you take the first step toward lasting recovery.
Contact the compassionate admissions team today at Pasadena Villa to learn how our specialized programs can provide the evidence-based care, support, and guidance you need to manage psychosis and move toward a more stable, hopeful future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychosis
Can psychosis be cured?
While psychosis itself may not have a “cure” in all cases, doctors can effectively manage and treat it. Many people experience significant symptom improvement or complete resolution with proper medication, therapy, and support. Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.
How long does a psychotic episode last?
The duration of a psychotic episode varies widely depending on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment begins. Some episodes may last days or weeks, while others can persist for months without intervention. Substance-induced psychosis may go away when the drug is out of your system. However, psychosis from conditions like schizophrenia needs ongoing care.
Is psychosis the same as schizophrenia?
No, psychosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that includes psychotic symptoms. Bipolar disorder, severe depression, substance use, or medical issues can also cause this to happen. A thorough psychiatric evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment approach.