Definition: Psychosis is a condition of the mind in which it loses contact with reality. Delusional thinking and hallucinations are among the first symptoms of this mental disorder. Other changes include changes in sleep cycles, behavior, mood, and the ability to think.
Who is prone to psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental disorder that often turns into a bigger disease. However, psychosis can occur in anyone. In fact, as much as 3% of people are affected by psychosis sooner or later. The most common age group affected by it is that of people who are 13 to 34 years old. Gender has nothing to do with the rate at which psychosis occurs in individuals.
However, drug use is a big trigger that amplifies the possibility of exhibiting this disorder.
The early indicators of psychosis
- Even though the symptoms of psychosis are never going to be exactly similar in two people, the general indicators develop in all patients over different periods of time.
- Speech patterns change significantly when someone undergoes psychosis. Perception of reality no longer remains intact and thinking abilities worsen over time.
- Social withdrawal is heavily associated with people suffering from psychosis. Subsequently, abnormal behaviors that stem from isolation also begin to form in people exhibiting early symptoms of psychosis.
- The inability to express emotions clearly and odd emotional responses are common traits of people affected by psychosis.
Similar changes in behavior and the psychology of the affected individual cement themselves as a result of extended exposure to the above-mentioned mental condition.
Is it treatable?
Psychosis is a mental condition that can be treated with the appropriate intervention of qualified medical personnel. Early detection and early treatment of psyschosis exhibit better chances of a quick recovery.
Typically, psychosis becomes far more difficult to treat after a time span of 5 years since its onset.
Why is early intervention important?
- Psychosis is a disorder of the mind that directly impact the personal relationships of the affected individual. Prolonged psychosis can lead to emotional conflicts that can be difficult to resolve in the future. Moreover, a person might lose all sense of maintaining a personal relationship along the way due to the constant withdrawal from reality.
- Isolation from the society is a problem that stems directly from psychosis. The loss of ability to exist along with other people has serious implication on the life of the victim.
- People suffering from psychosis are prone to harming other or even themselves. Early intervention and treatment protect the affected individuals from the looming threat of committing suicide.
- In case of a teenager suffering from psychosis, the mental illness can directly impact his/her career as it will be disruptive to the life-building years of the individual in consideration.
How to reach out to early psychosis intervention programs?
EPI treatments typically work with a clinical approach that includes the aid of psychiatrists and group therapists. Before even beginning to work on the mental aspect of the problem, EPI programs will begin by assessing the physical problems of the individual undergoing treatment. Based on the specific analysis of the patient, a treatment plan is subsequently devised.
An EPI program is available in almost every province of Canada. ‘Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION)’, ‘Early Psychosis Intervention Program (MOD) and Canadian Consortium for Early Prevention of Psychosis are some of the resources available to concerned individuals.
In the case of an emergency, a simple phone call to the correct entity can garner the needed help.
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