Download My Revision of Definitions

Psychosis
Introduction:
For this assignment I have chosen the term "psychosis." The term psychosis will be defined
using a parenthetical definition, a sentence definition, and an expanded definition. This
assignment will provide a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the term psychosis for
people who are unfamiliar with this word.
Parenthetical Definition:
A severe mental illness which involves a loss of contact with reality (not having any relevant
perception of reality in at least one major area in life).
Sentence Definition:
Psychosis is a severe form of mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality
involving symptoms such as delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (sensory experiences that do
not exist), and disorganized speech and behaviour.
Expanded Definition:
What is psychosis?
Psychosis refers to when an individual will lose touch with reality and see, hear, or believe things
that aren’t real. One may have delusions. That means they would hold onto untrue or strange
beliefs. Hallucinations may also be present. That’s when one imagine, hears or sees something
that doesn’t exist. Psychosis usually appears in a person’s late teens or early twenties.
Approximately three out of every 100 people will experience a psychotic episode in their
lifetimes. It occurs in men and women and across all cultures and socioeconomic groups.
What are the symptoms of psychosis?
Psychosis can occur over time gradually or can have a sudden onset. There are usually early
warning signs that may be apparent such as anxiousness, irritability, depression, or social
withdrawal. Memory and concentration may be affected as well as appetite and levels of energy.
Some other symptoms include:
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Changes in thinking patterns
Unusual or false beliefs
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Changes in perception
Changes in feeling and mood
Changes in behavior
What causes psychosis?
It can be difficult to know what has caused the first episode of psychosis. However, research has
determined that it can include a combination of biological and genetic factors. This means that a
person acquiring certain genetic or biological makeup can be more at risk or more vulnerable to
developing psychosis than others. Chemicals in the brain including dopamine (regulates
movement and emotion) and serotonin (involved in sleep, depression and memory) also
contribute to the development of psychosis.
FIGURE 1 CT scan of normal brain and brain affected by schizophrenia
Source: http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/ss/slideshow-schizophrenia-overview
What are the types of Psychosis?
1) Schizophrenia
A person experiences some psychotic symptoms for at least six months, with a significant
decline in the person’s ability to function. The symptoms and length of the illness vary from
person to person.
2) Schizophreniform disorder
The same as schizophrenia except that the symptoms have lasted for less than six months. The
illness may completely resolve or may persist and progress to other psychiatric diagnoses, such
as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder.
3) Bipolar illness
Symptoms relate more to mood disturbance than to thought disturbance. A person will
experience mania and sometimes depression. When psychotic symptoms arise, they often reflect
the person’s mood.
4) Schizoaffective disorder
During this type of psychosis, a person will experience symptoms of schizophrenia and
symptoms of a mood disturbance, either at the same time or alternating over time.
5) Depression with psychotic features
Sometimes a person will experience a severe depression with symptoms of psychosis without the
mania (excessive excitement or enthusiasm) associated with bipolar disorder.
6) Drug-induced psychosis
The use of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, amphetamines and alcohol can sometimes
cause psychotic symptoms to appear.
7) Organic psychosis
Symptoms of psychosis may appear as a result of a physical illness or a head injury.
8) Brief psychotic disorder
Sometimes symptoms of psychosis come on suddenly and, in some cases, are triggered in
response to a major stress in the person’s life. This type of psychosis usually lasts less than a
month.
9) Delusional disorder
This type of psychosis consists of very strong and fixed beliefs in things that are not true.
Changes in perception, such as hallucinations, are not seen in this illness. A delusional disorder
does not usually affect a person’s ability to function.
FIGURE 2 Overlap of symptoms regarding various psychosis’
Source: http://hubpages.com/health/Age-in-Psychosis
What are the treatments for psychosis?
It is important to get help and treatment as early as possible with someone who is experiencing
psychosis, as research shows that recovery can be faster. Before a treatment, an assessment is
recommended. A mental health professional will interview the patient and get insight into the
experiences of the person going through a psychotic episode. Family and friends may be
interviewed to receive background information that may aid in the understanding of the patients
behaviours. Once the information is gathered, treatment usually consists of medication and
interventions. Some of these interventions include various forms of therapy involving the
individual and their family.
Works Cited:
"Psychosis." CAMH: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. CAMH, 1 Dec. 2012. Web. 23
Jan. 2016.
<http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_informa
tion/psychosis/Pages/Psychosis.aspx>.
J. Goldberg. "Psychosis: What It Is, What Causes It, and What Treatments Can Help." WebMD.
WebMD, 19 Dec. 2015. Web. 23 Jan. 2016. <http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/what-ispsychosis>.
Schacter, Daniel L., Daniel Todd. Gilbert, and Daniel M. Wegner. Psychology. New York:
Worth, 2009. Print.