What is Psychosis?

Many of us have vivid dreams or get lost in thought in ways that can blur the line with reality, but ultimately we know they’re not real life. When patients stop being able to tell the difference between what is reality and what is not, they’re experiencing a condition called psychosis.

Psychosis is a symptom many people experience when they have an underlying mental health or medical condition. At his practice in Fresno, CA, Dr. Latif Zayir, an experienced psychiatrist, specializes in treating patients who are experiencing psychosis. 

Definition of psychosis

When you or a loved one experiences psychosis, your brain has difficulty processing information. You’ll have difficulty telling the difference between reality and what is happening inside your head. 

Typically, people experiencing psychosis have hallucinations, delusions, or both. Hallucinations cause you to hear, see, or feel things that aren’t there in reality. Delusions cause you to believe things that don’t make sense to others from your cultural background, such as that you have supernatural powers or your thoughts are being controlled by another person or object. 

Symptoms of psychosis

Often, people begin exhibiting symptoms well before they develop full-blown psychosis. These are warning signs you or a loved one might experience an episode of psychosis in the future: 

• Increased suspicious interactions with or discomfort with other people
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• More difficulty performing at work or school
• Challenges doing physical self-care or personal hygiene routines
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Unusually strong emotions, or no emotional affect

Early psychosis, in particular, is easier to treat when caught before it develops into active psychosis. If you or a loved one notices symptoms that possibly indicate the early stages of psychosis, or are experiencing active hallucinations or delusions, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Ziyar. 

Causes of psychosis

Psychosis is a symptom, not a condition in itself, that usually has an underlying cause. Some of the more common causes of psychosis include: 

Mental health conditions

Several mental health conditions can include psychosis as a common symptom. Some of the most common conditions that sometimes cause psychosis include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions cause symptoms of psychosis. Examples of medical conditions that sometimes cause psychosis include traumatic brain injury, dementia, strokes, and HIV.

Drug use

Medical and recreational drug use can both have the potential to cause psychosis. Certain prescription medications, along with recreational use of drugs, such as LSD or marijuana, can cause psychosis in some individuals. 

Treatment Options for Psychosis

Dr. Ziyar’s treatment for psychosis depends on a number of factors, such as the underlying cause and length of time the condition has persisted. Before recommending a treatment course, he’ll do a thorough evaluation or you or your loved one.

Most commonly, Dr. Ziyar recommends a treatment course combining medication management and psychotherapy. He’ll treat any underlying mental health condition causing the psychosis.

If you or a loved one are experiencing early or active symptoms of psychosis, know that help is available to manage the symptoms. Dr. Ziyar is available to help patients in the greater Fresno, CA area. 

To make an initial appointment, request one online, or call (559) 306-6726.