Psychosis and Mood Disorders

Source: Pixabay

Psychosis is when a person loses touch with reality. This is the definition most recognized by the general public, and yes, it's simplistic and reductionistic.

A more deeply textured definition would describe psychosis as a dimensional experience that hijacks a person's ability to think, reason, sense and feel. Psychosis essentially dislocates a person's ability to understand and trust their own intersubjective experiences - as well as to negotiate contextual and social experiences with others. Psychosis isn't a diagnosed mental illness, per se, but rather symptoms on a continuum that derails reality.

Statistics

Most people think psychosis is extremely rare, but it's not. Around 3% of individuals in the United States have experienced at least one psychotic episode during their lives. Children and teens can experience psychosis, and NAMI reports the average age of onset for psychosis is 24 years old. Every year, approximately 100,000 teenagers and young adults in the United States experience their first psychotic episode. And about 1% of the population lives with a chronic psychotic disorder.

The causal factors for psychosis is not readily understood, but studies have linked it to genetic predispositions, neurobiology, autoimmune neuropathways, psychological stress and family environment.

Psychosis and Mood Disorders

Psychosis can be related to several medical and mental health illnesses, including mood disorders. When it comes to Bipolar Disorder, upwards of 50% of individuals diagnosed may experience a psychotic episode. Individuals living with Unipolar Depression or what's known as a Major Depressive Disorder, 14% may experience a psychotic episode. Psychosis can also occur after childbirth. Studies on postpartum psychosis indicate 2 out of 1000 births may result in a new mother experiencing psychosis, often during the first four weeks after delivery.

Onset of Psychosis

Psychosis is an experience that begins slowly over time, and generally does not have a sudden onset. Psychosis can be experienced by children, adolescents and adults. So onset can vary by age. If you are someone who lives with a mood disorder, or loves someone who struggles with unipolar or bipolar disorders, become familiar with three types of psychosis onsets. By doing so, you may be able to identify symptoms early and receive treatment. Studies show that early intervention for psychosis offers a more meaningful recovery.

• Prodromal Stage: This is the beginning stage of psychosis, where slight changes in a person's feelings, thoughts, perceptions and behaviors occur. An individual may experience odd or peculiar thoughts, have strong, inappropriate or absent emotions, encounter trouble thinking, become isolated, suspicious or fearful of others, and stop self-care and grooming. There are no delusions, thought disorders or hallucinations in this early stage.
• Acute Stage: This is the stage where symptoms of psychosis emerge more fully and are more noticeable. A person may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, or engage in behaviors that are distressing. This is considered a critical phase where appropriate treatment for psychosis is seriously needed.
• Recovery. This is the stage where a child or adult experiencing a psychotic episode will begin to recover with medication, psychotherapy and family support. This stage will vary for each person, so try not to measure your recovery against another's. During recovery, symptoms of psychosis lessen and may even go into remission. As you learn to work your treatment plan, eat and sleep well, and learn new ways to cope, you will likely recover successfully from your first episode if psychosis.

Prognosis of Psychosis and Mood Disorders

Psychosis can emerge in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, with the potential for significant long-term impairment if not diagnosed, treated and thoroughly addressed. While psychosis with a co-morbid mood disorder can be scary and distressing for the both person experiencing symptoms and caregivers, prognosis is favorable. Especially when early intervention and consistency with treatment occurs.