Psychosis Treatment San Diego
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychosis as a condition of the mind, “where there has been some loss of contact with reality.” Psychosis is a presentation of underlying neurological conditions and is experienced through psychotic episodes, or breaks, during which what is real and what is not becomes blurred. Individuals with psychosis may experience symptoms such as distressing and scary voices.
Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) offers psychosis treatment, with acute inpatient psychiatric hospital care available in La Mesa and outpatient services offered in La Mesa, El Cajon, and San Diego.
Causes of Psychosis
Mental illness is a cause of psychosis. Schizophrenia is considered a psychotic disorder because psychosis is one of the symptoms it can trigger. Other mental illnesses that can cause psychosis include bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and severe depression.
But mental illness is not the only cause of psychosis. Extreme psychological or physical trauma, intense stress, certain medications, substance abuse, withdrawal from addictive substances, brain tumors, and medical conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases can also cause psychotic breaks. Even sleep deprivation can trigger symptoms of psychosis.
Types of Psychosis
There is no clinical differentiation of the psychosis types; however, experts divide psychosis into three types based on the onset:
Postpartum psychosis
Brief psychotic disorder
Substance-induced psychotic disorder
Psychosis Q and A
Do signs of psychosis indicate an emergency?
Psychosis is a medical condition that needs special medical attention. Acute psychosis is a medical emergency, and emergency departments often manage patients undergoing episodes of acute psychosis. Acute psychotic episodes need immediate medical attention due to the risk of self-harm.
Does psychosis treatment require hospitalization?
Psychosis can be treated without hospitalization, but intensive treatment through psychiatric hospitalization is available for those with extreme cases of psychosis.
According to research dated 2019, one in four young psychosis patients gets involuntarily admitted to a hospital in early illness.
What treatments are available for psychosis?
Psychosis treatments include antipsychotic medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support and care group participation. API offers both acute inpatient hospitalization and outpatient treatment for psychosis.
Are psychosis and schizophrenia the same condition?
No, but psychosis and schizophrenia are closely connected. Psychosis is a symptom of schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
How can I support someone with psychosis?
The following approaches may help support someone you know who is dealing with psychosis:
- Hear them out and talk through their symptoms
- Be understanding, and do not judge or argue
- Stay calm when interacting with an agitated individual
- Encourage the individual to speak with a professional healthcare provider
Potential Complications of Untreated Psychosis
Untreated psychosis can lead to serious consequences, including:
Co-occurring Mental Disorders
Psychosis can involve co-occurring mental illnesses, such as anxiety disorders and depression, etc.
Isolation
Advanced psychosis patients might disconnect, which opens a significant chance of them entering social isolation that can lay the foundation for damaged and lost relationships.
Joblessness and Financial Problems
When a person struggles to or is unable to interact socially, possible consequences include difficulty performing employment responsibilities well and keeping a job.
A decline in work performance and dismissal from a job can then lead to financial problems.
Self-harm
Psychosis can lead to injury risk due to self-harm. If an individual is showing signs of self-harm, call 9-1-1 or other local emergency response services.
Substance Disorders
To cover for lost self-respect and social recognition, those with psychosis may self-medicate with drugs of various types. This can increase tendency toward substance use disorders.
Psychosis Treatment
There are multiple options for treating psychosis. API uses medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support and care group sessions for treatment. We offer both acute inpatient hospitalization and outpatient services for psychosis care.
Medicines
Antipsychotic drugs help manage acute episodes and the long-term condition of psychosis. Haloperidol and Olanzapine are frequently used to manage first-episode psychosis.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is recognized as an effective treatment option for various psychological disorders. About 16 CBT sessions are the general recommendation for psychosis treatment.
Support and Care Groups
Support and care groups for rehabilitation are offered to help individuals manage symptoms of psychosis and reduce the impact of the disorder on social life.
Inpatient Care
We offer inpatient psychosis treatment at our acute inpatient psychiatric hospital in La Mesa. Inpatient treatment involves intensive care with professional healthcare supervision and is identified as a good option for individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient care is offered at our San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon locations. This type of care is for individuals with psychosis, yet whose symptoms are treatable at lower levels of treatment than what acute inpatient hospitalization provides.
Treatment for Psychosis, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorders
API provides treatment for psychosis, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorders. For treating these conditions, we employ an integrated care model wherein those receiving treatment are around other individuals receiving care, whether the individuals are diagnosed with psychosis, schizophrenia, or a schizoaffective disorder.
Treatment includes the presentation of topics such as processing psychosis symptoms, skills for coping, or psychosis stigma.
Schizophrenia is recognized as a psychotic disorder with symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. With schizoaffective disorders, both schizophrenic and mood disorder symptoms are present. An individual with a schizoaffective disorder may, for example, have hallucinations and depression.
What Should I Do If Someone I Know Is Struggling with Psychosis?
If someone you know with psychosis is causing self-harm or has suicidal thoughts, immediately call 9-1-1, local emergency responders, or local crisis lines. Call 9-8-8 to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Psychosis Treatment in La Mesa, El Cajon, and San Diego
Contact a mental health professional right away if you think you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Early treatment leads to the best results. We offer psychosis treatment in La Mesa, El Cajon, and San Diego. Call us today at 619-333-7050.
