Treatment of Psychotic Disorders
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
Schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance of dopamine in the brain that is often genetically linked. With the diagnosis of Schizophrenia it is theorized that there is too much dopamine in parts of the brain causing hallucinations and delusions. Medications are very effective at controlling this. However, each time an individual experiences an episode of psychosis their IQ decreases and a new baseline of cognitive functioning is established. This is why it so important to not stop taking the medications. Research shows that people with schizophrenia who get early and intensive treatment have the best long-term results.
Pharmacological
Since there is a very clear neurological base for psychosis, treatment needs to include medication. Antipsychotic medications help reduce dopamine levels in the brain (which is also what causes many of the side effects). Although the disease is chronic and there is no cure, it can be well managed if individuals stay on medications. One of the symptoms of Schizophrenia is Anosognosia is a symptom of severe mental illness experienced by some that impairs a person's ability to understand and perceive his or her illness. It is the single largest reason why people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder refuse medications or do not seek treatment. People also stop medications because they start feeling better and think they no longer need the medications.
Although marijuana can be beneficial in some psychiatric disorders, it tends to make symptoms of psychosis worst. There is still research being done into this phenomenon.
Therapy
Social skills training. This type of instruction focuses on improving communication and social interactions.
Rehabilitation. Schizophrenia usually develops during career building years. So rehabilitation may include job counseling, problem-solving support, and education in money management.
Family education. People with schizophrenia who have a strong support system do better than those without the encouragement of friends and family.
Self-help groups. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an outreach organization that offers a free peer-to-peer program. It includes 10 sessions for adults with mental illness who want to learn more about their condition from people who have experienced it themselves or been through it with a loved one.
Coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is for people experiencing an episode of psychosis for the first time. The aim is to change the direction and prognosis for the disease by catching it in its earliest stages.
Assertive community treatment (ACT). This offers highly personalized services that come to the individual in their homes (or community), like medication management, vocational services, substance abuse treatment, housing, nursing and peer specialists.
Social recovery therapy. This treatment puts the focus on helping the person set and achieve goals and build a sense of optimism and positive beliefs about themselves and others.
Treating Underlying Causes
The following medical conditions have been known to trigger psychotic episodes in some people:
*A person can also experience a psychotic episode during withdrawal from substances.
*In rare situations, psychosis can also occur as a side effect of some types of medicine (like those that treat Parkinson’s) or as a result of an overdose of medicine (Adderall).
Pharmacological
Since there is a very clear neurological base for psychosis, treatment needs to include medication. Antipsychotic medications help reduce dopamine levels in the brain (which is also what causes many of the side effects). Although the disease is chronic and there is no cure, it can be well managed if individuals stay on medications. One of the symptoms of Schizophrenia is Anosognosia is a symptom of severe mental illness experienced by some that impairs a person's ability to understand and perceive his or her illness. It is the single largest reason why people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder refuse medications or do not seek treatment. People also stop medications because they start feeling better and think they no longer need the medications.
Although marijuana can be beneficial in some psychiatric disorders, it tends to make symptoms of psychosis worst. There is still research being done into this phenomenon.
Therapy
Social skills training. This type of instruction focuses on improving communication and social interactions.
Rehabilitation. Schizophrenia usually develops during career building years. So rehabilitation may include job counseling, problem-solving support, and education in money management.
Family education. People with schizophrenia who have a strong support system do better than those without the encouragement of friends and family.
Self-help groups. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an outreach organization that offers a free peer-to-peer program. It includes 10 sessions for adults with mental illness who want to learn more about their condition from people who have experienced it themselves or been through it with a loved one.
Coordinated specialty care (CSC). This is for people experiencing an episode of psychosis for the first time. The aim is to change the direction and prognosis for the disease by catching it in its earliest stages.
Assertive community treatment (ACT). This offers highly personalized services that come to the individual in their homes (or community), like medication management, vocational services, substance abuse treatment, housing, nursing and peer specialists.
Social recovery therapy. This treatment puts the focus on helping the person set and achieve goals and build a sense of optimism and positive beliefs about themselves and others.
Treating Underlying Causes
The following medical conditions have been known to trigger psychotic episodes in some people:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease (and drugs that treat Parkinson’s)
- Hypoglycemia (an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood)
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumor
- Cocaine
- Amphetamine (speed)
- Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
- Mephedrone (MCAT or miaow)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Cannabis
- LSD (acid)
- Psilocybins (magic mushrooms)
- Ketamine
*A person can also experience a psychotic episode during withdrawal from substances.
*In rare situations, psychosis can also occur as a side effect of some types of medicine (like those that treat Parkinson’s) or as a result of an overdose of medicine (Adderall).
If you would like to be evaluated for a psychotic disorder or seek pharmacological treatment.