PSYCHOSIS

 

 

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by thinking and emotions that are so impaired, that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality. People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations).  It affects three out of every 100 people and is most likely to be diagnosed in young adults, but psychosis can occur to anyone.

Causes

• Alcohol and certain illegal drugs, both during use and during withdrawal
• Brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and certain chromosomal disorders
• Brain tumors or cysts
• Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
• HIV and other infections that affect the brain
• Some prescription drugs, such as steroids and stimulants
• Some types of epilepsy
• Stroke

 

Psychosis (or psychotic symptoms) may also be found in:

• Most people with schizophrenia
• Some people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or severe depression
• Some personality disorders

Symptoms

• Disorganized thought and speech
• False beliefs that are not based in reality (delusions), especially unfounded fear or suspicion
• Hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
• Thoughts that "jump" between unrelated topics (disordered thinking)
• difficulty concentrating
• depressed mood
• sleep changes—sleeping too much or not enough
• anxiety
• withdrawal from family and friends
• disorganized speech—switching topics erratically

Types of Psychosis

Ø  Brief Reactive Psychosis

Extreme personal stress like the death of a family member can bring on symptoms of psychosis. Someone experiencing brief reactive psychosis may recover in a few days.

Ø  Drug- or Alcohol-Related Psychosis

Use of alcohol and drugs can sometimes cause symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms might go away immediately when the effect of the alcohol or drug wears off, but this is not always the case. People who are addicted to alcohol and certain drugs can experience psychotic symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking or taking the drug to which they are addicted.

Ø  Organic Psychosis

A head injury or an illness that affects the brain like Parkinson’s disease can cause symptoms of psychosis.

 

Ø  Puerperal psychosis

Puerperal (postpartum) psychosis is a very rare, but severe mental health condition that is experienced by one or two in 1,000 women in the weeks after having a baby. Puerperal psychosis is very serious as the mother may be at risk of self-harm and there is risk of potential harm to the baby and/or other children.

 

How Is Psychosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is through a psychiatric evaluation. However, Medical tests and X-rays may be used to determine whether there is an underlying illness causing the symptoms.

Treatment

 The WHO recommends that, adults with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia), and bipolar disorder should undergo psycho-education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family interventions with adequately trained professionals.

 

 Is It Possible to Recover from Psychosis?

Most people who experience psychosis will recover with proper treatment. Even in severe cases, medication and therapy can help people live normal lives.

Where to seek help in Kenya

ü  All district hospitals in the country- psychiatric clinic.

ü  In Nairobi, treatment can also be sought from the Ngong health centre, Lower kabete health centre, Woodley trauma clinic as well as Kangemi health centres