Psychosis is a medical condition that needs special medical attention. Acute psychotic episodes need immediate medical attention due to a risk of self-harm. Acute psychosis is a medical emergency, and emergency departments often manage patients undergoing episodes of acute psychosis. 

At times, patients experience intolerable symptoms such as distressing and scary voices that compel them to take emergency medical help. The first five years of psychosis in schizophrenia patients is considered a high-risk time and is known as the “critical period.”

A low dose of an antipsychotic drug provides good adherence and prevents relapse in about 25% of the patients.

In extreme cases of psychosis, sometimes, the patients require intensive treatment in a psychiatric hospital. One in four young psychosis patients gets involuntarily admitted to the hospital in early illness. 

Hospitalization may not have an extraordinary impact on the cognitive or functional improvements of the patient; however, it prevents further cognitive or functional declines.

Treating psychosis is crucial, as untreated psychosis can lead to grave consequences. Examples of untreated psychosis complications include:

Isolation 

Advanced psychosis patients might disconnect from the rest of the world. Therefore, there is a significant chance of them entering social isolation that can lay the foundation for damaged and lost relationships.

Substance Disorders

To cover for the lost self-respect and social recognition, several psychotic patients self-medicate with drugs of various types. These adversely increase their tendency towards substance abuse/ substance use disorders. 

Joblessness and Financial Problems

When a person cannot interact socially, an unwanted consequence is an inability to keep a job. The decline in work performance keeps them from working a job, which leads to financial problems. 

Mental Comorbidities 

Psychosis can entail comorbid mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression, etc. Once developed, these disorders and worsened medical conditions make treatment much more difficult. 

Self-Harm 

Some patients can be at risk of injury due to self-harm. Patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders have a higher prevalence of self-harm and suicidality.

Psychosis can be a life-threatening condition as it promotes self-harm in some patients. Severe cases of psychosis have a link to mortality. The risk of suicide and consequent premature mortality rates are high in patients with first-episode psychosis (EEP). 

In Schizophrenia patients with psychotic disorders, the lifetime risk of suicide death is about 5.6%. The risk becomes almost twice as much as the disease progresses. However, improved inpatient and outpatient services can improve the condition.

The following treatment modalities can help treat patients with psychosis:

Medicines

Antipsychotic drugs help effectively manage acute episodes and the long-term condition of psychosis. Haloperidol and Olanzapine are frequently used to manage first-episode psychosis. 

The drugs effectively reduce symptom severity, have better tolerance, and reduce the risk of relapse. Some physicians may also recommend antidepressants to manage psychotic symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is an effective treatment option for various psychological disorders. About 16 CBT sessions are the general recommendation for psychosis treatment. Low-intensity CBT is effective in managing symptoms.

Support and Care Groups  

Joining a support or care group for rehabilitation can help manage symptoms of psychosis and reduce the impact of the disorder on social life. Support groups can offer great help in overcoming substance addiction. 

So, if your psychosis is because of substance or alcohol use disorder, support programs can offer help.

Inpatient Treatment (Hospitalization)

Non-compliant patients at risk of causing harm to others or themselves need intensive medical care inside a psychiatric hospital. Inpatient treatment is a good option, especially for those with first-episode psychosis.

You can help your friend or family member with psychosis by adopting these steps:

• Hear them out and talk through their symptoms 
• Be understanding and do not judge or argue
• Stay calm when handling an agitated patient 
• Offer encouragement to get checked by a psychiatrist

Yes, if the patient tends to cause self-harm or has suicidal thoughts, you should immediately call 911 or your local emergency services. You should call emergency services if the patient is at risk of harming others. 

In addition to 911, you can call mental health organizations (local crisis lines) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.