Lecture 6C

Common Disorders in Adulthood: Psychosis

Learning Objectives

• Understand the essential features and causes of psychosis.

• Explore the various treatment options for psychosis.

• Recognize the importance of cultural considerations in the experience of psychosis.

Definition of Psychosis

• Psychosis is a physiological state that causes an individual to experience reality differently.

• Features difficulty in perceiving what is real versus what is not.

• Can involve symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or thoughts.

• Symptoms exist on a continuum; mild experiences may occur, but extreme cases require diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Experiences and Symptoms

• Delusions: Fixed false beliefs held despite contrary evidence.

  • Common types:

    • Delusions of Grandeur: Belief in one’s extraordinary power or status.

    • Delusions of Persecution: Belief that one is being harmed or conspired against.

• Hallucinations: Sensory experiences without external stimuli, including:

  • Auditory: Hearing voices or sounds.

  • Visual: Seeing things that aren’t there.

  • Tactile: Feeling sensations on the body without a cause.

  • Gustatory and Olfactory: Experiencing false tastes or smells.

• Disorganized Thought and Speech: Lacks coherence or relevance, including rapid topic changes.

• Negative Symptoms: Symptoms that reflect a decrease in emotional expression or motivation.

Distinction Between Normal and Pathological Experiences

• Many individuals experience mild psychotic features due to stress but do not develop a disorder.

• Pathological Psychosis: Occurs when symptoms cause distress or impair daily functioning.

• Considerations include cultural norms and individual distress levels.

Causes of Psychosis

• Unlike psychotic disorders, psychosis can arise from diverse conditions:

  • Psychological Disorders: Scizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression.

  • Physical Medical Conditions: Neurological issues or substance-induced symptoms.

  • Environmental Factors: Early trauma, social adversity, discrimination, and lifestyle choices.

Treatment Options

• Pharmacotherapy: Antipsychotic medications may reduce symptoms but come with side effects.

  • Low-dose antipsychotics combined with CBT can improve outcomes.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based approach that supports recovery.

  • Focuses on collaboration between clinician and client.

  • Aims to reduce distress and improve functioning by addressing maintenance factors of symptoms.

• Importance of Cultural Context: Understanding how cultural beliefs shape experiences of psychosis (ex. beliefs about voices can vary culturally).

Key Considerations in Psychosis Treatment

• Each individual has unique experiences and requires personalized approaches.

• Severity of symptoms and history (trauma or ongoing stress) guide treatment strategies.

• CBT is particularly effective in addressing symptoms and improving resilience.

Conclusion

• Awareness of psychosis involves understanding its complexity and the interplay between psychological, biological, and social factors.

• Comprehensive treatment plans should consider both medication and psychological therapies, along with cultural relevance.

• Continuous support helps individuals navigate their experiences while aiming for functional improvement and reduced distress.