“Am I Psychotic?”
Understanding Psychosis and When to Seek Help
One of the most common and complex questions I hear from patients is,
“Am I psychotic?”
It’s a question almost always filled with fear, confusion, and stigma, but understanding psychosis and its symptoms can be an empowering first step toward getting the right help and care. Because most people are not psychotic.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is not a diagnosis but a symptom that reflects a loss of contact with reality. It can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (strong beliefs that don’t align with reality), or disorganized thinking and speech.
Psychosis can occur as part of various conditions, such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Severe Depression, Substance-Induced Psychosis, some Personality Disorders, Complex trauma and medical conditions (such as brain injuries, infections, or hormonal imbalances)
Psychosis affects roughly 3% of the population at some point in their lives. For most people, psychotic symptoms respond well to medication and treatment of any underlying causes.
Hormones and Psychosis
As research on the role of hormones in mental health increases, it is becoming increasingly apparent that hormonal fluctuations can contribute to psychotic symptoms. For example, Postpartum Psychosis is a very rare but serious condition that can occur in new mothers, typically within the first few weeks after giving birth. It is believed to result from a combination of hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and predisposing mental health conditions. Thyroid Disorders can also cause mood changes, anxiety, and, in rare cases, psychosis. The hormonal fluctations during perimenopause and menopause may trigger an underlying mental health disorder and, sometimes, lead to an episode of psychosis. (This is an underdeveloped are of research.) Chronic stress, as can be the case in complex trauma, and disrupted cortisol levels can negatively effect brain function, contributing to psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals. These hormonal contributors highlight the importance of a thorough medical evaluation when psychosis symptoms arise.
When to Seek Help
Symptoms of psychosis are frightening- do not be afraid to seek help. Worsening symptoms, difficulty with functioning, and/or suicidal thoughts or behaviors are warning signs that need to be addressed right away.
Treatment Options for Psychosis
Psychosis, like all mental health symptoms, is treatable. In fact, the recommended treatments for psychosis are the same treatments used in more common conditions such as depression and include:
Medications:Antipsychotic medications can reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis helps challenge delusional thinking and develop coping skills.
Hormonal and Medical Support: Addressing hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or other medical contributors can be key to recovery.
Lifestyle Changes: Addressing sleep, stress, and nutrition can support healing.
Support Systems: Family education and peer support groups can make a significant difference.
Breaking the Stigma
It’s important to remember that psychosis is a symptom, not a judgment on who you are. Many people live fulfilling lives after experiencing psychosis, especially when they seek help early. If you’re asking yourself, “Am I psychotic?”, then you’ve already taken the first step toward understanding your mental health. Whether your symptoms align with psychosis or not, reaching out to a mental health professional can help you find clarity, support, and a path to recovery.
