New Oakland Child-Adolescent and Family Center
"Psychoses" are defined as abnormal conditions of the mind, a psychiatric term for a mental state involving a loss of contact with reality. Psychotic disorders cause distorted thinking and awareness and can vary greatly in their severity. The term "psychosis" is very broad and can mean anything from an aberrant experience to a more chronic illness such as schizophrenia.
The most common symptoms of psychotic disorders are:
- Delusions: False beliefs that the ill person accepts as true, despite evidence to the contrary
- Hallucinations: Experiencing images or sounds that are not real, such as hearing voices
People experiencing psychosis may exhibit personality changes and thought disorders. Depending on its severity, this may be accompanied by unusual or bizarre behavior, as well as difficulty with social interaction and impairment in carrying out daily life activities.
There are several different types of psychosis but an initial episode won't necessarily determine which type it is. Duration and severity of symptoms along with a comprehensive assessment is more likely to lead to a proper diagnosis. Information from the individual, family history and physical examinations will create a clearer picture.
Some of the types of psychosis:
- Brief Reactive Psychosis: Psychotic symptoms arise in response to a major stress. A quick recovery is likely
- Delusional Disorder: Evidences itself when a person acts on strong beliefs that don't fit conventional reality.
- Psychotic Depression: A severe depression with psychotic symptoms happening at the same time
- Bipolar Disorder: Extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression) Psychosis can appear during either phase
- Schizophrenia: Delusions, hallucinations last six months or more. Contrary to popular belief, a schizophrenic does not have multiple personalities
New Oakland Child-Adolescent and Family Center assesses and treats the mental health issues and crises faced by children and adolescents. Immediate action can return well-being to your family. See the "Contact" tab for the nearest New Oakland facility or call the 24 Hour Crisis Stabilization Hot Line: (800) 395-3223