Psychosis

    Understanding, Managing, and Treating Psychosis

    Dr. Bessy Martirosyan

    Written by

    Dr. Bessy Martirosyan

    Dr. Ellen Machikawa

    Reviewed by

    Dr. Ellen Machikawa

    Published: September 5, 2025
    Read Time: 5 minutes

    Overview

    Psychosis – A mental disorder wherein reality is replaced by delusion

    "Psychosis is a dream breaking through during waking hours" - By Philip K Dick

    Psychosis is a severe mental disorder wherein people have hallucinations and delusions. Their thoughts and feelings are impaired. As such these people lose contact with reality.

    Understanding psychosis is essential for early recognition and treatment. This condition affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

    Factors that cause psychosis

    🧠 Neurological Factors

    • Brain tumor
    • Epilepsy
    • Dementia
    • Parkinson disease

    ⚗️ Substance-Related

    • Alcohol and drugs
    • Steroids and stimulants

    Symptoms of psychosis

    1

    Initial Stage

    • Problem in giving focus on anything
    • Getting detached from friends and family
    • Suspecting everybody
    • Sleeping problems
    • Depression
    2

    Final Stage

    • Hallucination
    • Incoherent speech
    • Delusion
    • Negative thoughts
    • Anxiety
    • Depression

    4 Types of common psychotic disorders

    1.

    Delusional disorder

    Fixed false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary

    2.

    Schizophrenia

    Complex disorder affecting thinking, perception, and behavior

    3.

    Bipolar disorder

    Mood disorder with episodes that can include psychotic features

    4.

    Psychotic depression

    Major depression accompanied by psychotic symptoms

    How to treat patients with psychosis

    Medication and drugs

    Antipsychotic medications to manage symptoms

    Rapid tranquilization

    Emergency intervention for severe agitation

    Cognitive behavior therapy

    Therapeutic approach to manage symptoms

    💡 Treatment Success

    Medication and therapy can help patients to recover from psychosis. They can go back to their normal lives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get expert answers to the most common questions about psychosis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches

    When to Seek Help

    It's important to seek professional help if you or a loved one experience OCD symptoms that interfere with daily life, relationships, work, school, or overall well-being. Don't wait until symptoms become severe.

    Seek Help When Symptoms:

    • • Take more than 1 hour per day
    • • Significantly interfere with work, school, or social activities
    • • Cause significant distress or anxiety
    • • Impact relationships with family and friends
    • • Prevent you from enjoying activities you used to love
    • • Lead to avoidance of important situations

    Ready to Take Control of Your OCD?

    Connect with our qualified mental health professionals who specialize in OCD treatment and start your journey toward better mental health.

    What kind of treatment is available for a person with psychosis?

    The available treatments for psychosis may include a combination of medication and therapy. Antipsychotic medications can effectively manage symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations.

    Therapy, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, may also help manage symptoms and improve overall functioning. Savantcare treats psychosis through proper medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and if required, rapid tranquilization, which are available in all of our mental health clinics.

    🩺

    Treatment Options

    Medication, CBT, family therapy, and specialized programs like inpatient or outpatient treatment for comprehensive care.

    How much does it cost to treat psychosis?

    The cost of psychosis treatment varies depending on several factors including the type of treatment needed, duration of care, insurance coverage, and location. Many insurance plans cover mental health treatment.

    Savantcare accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible payment options. We believe financial concerns should never be a barrier to receiving proper mental health care.

    💳

    Insurance & Payment

    Most insurance plans cover psychosis treatment. Contact us to verify your benefits and discuss payment options.

    Are there any support groups for people with psychosis?

    Yes, support groups can be very beneficial for people with psychosis and their families. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support from others who understand the challenges.

    Savantcare can help connect you with local support groups, online communities, and family support resources as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

    👥

    Support Networks

    Local support groups, online communities, peer support programs, and family education resources are available.

    What type of therapy is provided for individuals struggling with psychosis?

    Several therapeutic approaches are effective for psychosis, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and social skills training. CBT helps individuals identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to symptoms.

    Family therapy involves educating family members about psychosis and developing strategies to support their loved one. Group therapy and rehabilitation programs may also be beneficial.

    🧠

    Therapy Types

    CBT, family therapy, social skills training, group therapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation programs.

    References

    Medical Review: This content has been medically reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals.

    Sources: Information compiled from peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines for psychosis treatment and management.