![]() ![]() Psychosis possibly related to COVID-19 is also being studied. Psychosis can also be a symptom or feature of other mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder. organic psychosis (psychosis related to medical conditions such as stroke).Early intervention and treatment provide the best opportunity for improvement and recovery.” Types of psychosis Untreated psychosis has marked effects on a person’s well-being, functioning, and relationships. Other people may not understand that these symptoms are created by the brain, feel real, and are perceived as real to the person experiencing them. Common symptoms include hallucinations (i.e., hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things others do not), delusions (e.g., unusual beliefs about religion, philosophy, exceptional capabilities, paranoia), believing things others may not believe as true, and negative symptoms (e.g., poor motivation and lack of emotional expression, disorganized thinking, concentration, speech, or behaviors.) “Individuals with psychosis may experience changes in their thinking or behaviors that may be difficult for others to understand. I spoke with Tamara Welikson, PhD, PA & NYS Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Manager of the UPENN Psychosis Evaluation and Recovery Center, about what psychosis is. My recovery has also been mostly through the COVID-19 pandemic, making telemedicine appointments with my therapist and psychiatrist a necessity. During my recovery from psychosis, I was doing so much work on what had potentially contributed to my first episode - complex trauma, anger, and grief - that it was nearly impossible to come to terms with the self-stigma and fears I had about what others would think at the same time. In fact, it took years before I felt ready. It took me a long time to feel ready to talk about psychosis. I have managed those conditions over the years with therapy, medication, exercise, creative activities, and communicating with my support system. ![]() Earlier in my life, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (also called clinical depression). I currently take Zoloft (an antidepressant) and Abilify (an antipsychotic). I stopped sleeping for weeks on end and was in a difficult situation, both of which I believe largely contributed to the episode. My symptoms were a sensory hallucination (smell), confusion, paranoia, fear, and disconnection from reality. I was diagnosed with psychosis several years ago, during an episode in which I took myself to the emergency room. I’ve worked in healthcare publishing for years, and I am grateful my first chance to write about my own mental health journey came when I started working for Healthline. You can also call 911 in the case of a mental health emergency. If you’re thinking of hurting yourself or are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 80. This article contains mentions of hallucinations, trauma, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. ![]()
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